President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial entered its final stages this week, with only two formal hearings remaining, and legal circles expect the verdict to be delivered in mid-March.
The Constitutional Court will hold its seventh and eighth hearings on February 11 and 13, examining eight witnesses. Although additional hearings may be scheduled, the court is likely to complete the hearings by the end of February and issue a ruling on Yoon’s impeachment in March.
On February 10, the court’s press officer, Cheon Jae-hyun, told reporters that “no additional hearings are scheduled at this time.”
So far, the country’s highest court has held two preliminary hearings and six formal hearings since the National Assembly declared Yoon impeached on December 14, 2024 over his declaration of martial law on December 3 that year.
Yoon attended each hearing, starting with the third session on January 21. The court has examined the procedures for declaring martial law, details of Proclamation No. 1, the military’s interference with the National Election Commission, Yoon’s attempt to seize control of the National Assembly and efforts to detain politicians.
Witnesses so far include former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and three key commanders involved in the controversial declaration of martial law.
On February 11, the court will question former Interior and Security Minister Lee Sang-min, national security office Chief Shin Won-sik, former NIS deputy director Baek Jong-wook, and NEC secretary-general Kim Yong-bin.
On February 13, the court will hear from four more witnesses: police chief Cho Ji-ho, former Seoul police chief Kim Bong-sik, NIS director Cho Tae-yong, and capital defence command’s 1st security battalion commander Cho Sung-hyun.
In previous impeachment trials, the court held two hearings after witness testimony was completed in the case of former President Roh Moo-hyun and one hearing in the case of former President Park Geun-hye.
The court delivered its verdict two weeks after the conclusion of closing arguments in Roh’s case and 11 days later in Park’s case.
Based on this precedent, a decision on Yoon’s impeachment is expected by mid-March, about three months after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion. This timeframe is similar to Park’s case (91 days) but longer than Roh’s (63 days).
The first preliminary hearing in Yoon’s criminal trial on charges of leading the mutiny is scheduled for February 20.
