Sangcheol’s Legal Journal : YouLaw Insights

1. Trial Overview Date : June 9, 2025, 10:15 AM Court : Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) Defendant : Yoon Seok-yeol (Former President of South Korea) Witness : Lee Sang-hyeon (Brigadier General, Former Commander of the 1st Airborne Brigade, ROK Army Special Warfare Command) 2. Key Proceedings A. Cross-examination of Witness Lee Sang-hyeon “Drag lawmakers out” – Order came from the President Lee reaffirmed that then-Special Forces Commander Gwak Jong-geun conveyed direct orders allegedly from President Yoon: “The President said to break the doors and drag lawmakers out.” Lee testified he relayed this command verbatim to his subordinate battalion commander, explicitly stating it was a “presidential order.” An audio recording of this instruction was played in court, further supporting Lee’s claim. Lee emphasized: “Had I only heard ‘higher command,’ I wouldn’t have described it as the President’s order.” B. De...

South Korea is currently navigating a significant political event: the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Constitutional Court is at the forefront, determining the outcome of this unprecedented situation. **Background** On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing concerns over "anti-state activities" by opposition parties. This move was met with swift opposition, leading to the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon on December 14, 2024. The impeachment was grounded on allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. **Constitutional Court Proceedings** The Constitutional Court commenced its review of the impeachment on December 27, 2024. The court has a 180-day window to reach a decision, which could result in either the reinstatement or permanent removal of President Yoon.  A two-thirds majority vote among the justices is required to unseat the president. As of February 6, 2025, the court has conducted six hearings. Notably, during th...