Seoul, South Korea – The Constitutional Court of South Korea concluded its final hearing in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol on February 25th, marking the end of a three-month-long debate process. The court is expected to announce its verdict in mid-March, a decision that will have profound implications for the nation’s political landscape.
The eleventh and final hearing, lasting approximately eight hours, took place at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The proceedings began with a verification of evidence, followed by comprehensive arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The impeachment proceedings were initiated by the National Assembly, led by the impeachment committee, following accusations of constitutional violations and abuse of power. The specific details of these accusations have been widely debated throughout the trial.
During the final hearing, the court heard closing statements from both sides. Chung Cheong-rae, head of the National Assembly’s impeachment committee and chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, presented the case for impeachment. President Yoon Suk-yeol then delivered his own closing statement, defending his actions and urging the court to dismiss the impeachment charges.
Following President Yoon’s statement, acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae officially closed the debate proceedings at approximately 10:14 PM KST. He stated that the judges would deliberate the case and announce the date of the verdict in due course.
The Constitutional Court’s decision will be a pivotal moment for South Korea. If the court upholds the impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election. Conversely, if the court dismisses the impeachment, President Yoon will be reinstated, allowing him to continue his term.
The outcome of this trial is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it will not only determine the fate of President Yoon but also shape the future of South Korean politics. The decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the country’s domestic policies, foreign relations, and overall stability.
The court’s deliberation process is expected to be thorough and complex, given the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of the verdict. The eyes of the nation now turn to the Constitutional Court as South Korea awaits a decision that will define its political trajectory for the foreseeable future.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2025, February 26). 尹锡悦弹劾案庭审结束 或3月中旬宣判 [Yoon Suk-yeol impeachment trial ends, verdict expected in mid-March]. Retrieved from [Insert URL if available, otherwise remove this line].
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