**[Anchor]**
President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly announced last night (20th) that he would attend the third impeachment trial today.
This marks the first time in history that a president facing impeachment has personally appeared before the Constitutional Court.
Let’s connect with our reporter for more details. Reporter Shin Ji-won!
When will President Yoon appear at the Constitutional Court today?
**[Reporter]**
President Yoon Suk-yeol will personally attend the third impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court today at 2 PM.
This is unprecedented in the history of the constitution for a president who has been impeached to appear in court.
Neither former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun nor Park Geun-hye attended their impeachment trials at the Constitutional Court.
Due to this sudden announcement, the court is busy organizing the attendance routes and conducting security checks.
Security screenings for external visitors, including reporters, have also been strengthened compared to usual.
Although protests or rallies have not yet started near the Constitutional Court, given the increasingly intense protests both for and against the impeachment recently, police forces are being deployed around the Constitutional Court, and barricades are being set up outside the building.
**[Anchor]**
How will today’s impeachment trial proceed, then?
**[Reporter]**
Originally, the evidence investigation of CCTV submitted by the National Assembly was scheduled for today, but President Yoon’s decision to attend in person has introduced a new variable.
President Yoon is expected to explain the context of proclaiming martial law on December 3rd last year and share his thoughts on the current situation where impeachment and investigation are proceeding simultaneously.
He may also explain the reasons for martial law, including the opposition-led impeachment motion, budget cuts, and allegations of election fraud.
While President Yoon did not attend the first two hearings before a warrant for his arrest was issued, his legal team has stated that he plans to attend all six remaining hearings scheduled until December 13th, if possible.
**[Anchor]**
Why did President Yoon decide to attend specifically ‘today’?
**[Reporter]**
President Yoon’s legal team informed reporters last night around 10 PM that he would personally attend today’s impeachment hearing.
While President Yoon had previously expressed his intention to appear at an appropriate time, he decided to attend sooner than expected.
It appears that the decisive background for this was the High-ranking Officials’ Criminal Investigation Office’s attempt yesterday (20th) to forcibly bring him in, following the issuance of an arrest warrant and two previous summons.
His legal team has argued that conducting both the impeachment trial and a rebellion investigation simultaneously is an infringement on his right to defense.
They criticized the investigation office for attempting a forced appearance at the Seoul Detention Center late last night, claiming that it seriously infringed upon his rights to defense and to prepare for his legal case, as there was insufficient discussion with the legal team on impeachment defense.
**[Anchor]**
What impact will President Yoon’s attendance have on the future proceedings of the impeachment trial?
**[Reporter]**
As mentioned earlier, President Yoon has expressed his intention to attend not just today’s session but as many of the remaining proceedings of the impeachment trial as possible.
He is expected to attend the evidence investigation by the National Assembly today and the testimony of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun the day after tomorrow (23rd).
President Yoon and former Minister Kim are known to have communicated closely throughout the preparation, proclamation, and withdrawal of the martial law.
Former National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho, who was chosen as a witness by the National Assembly, has submitted a reason for absence, and testimonies for Commander Kwak Jong-geun and anti-espionage Commander Yeo In-hyung are forthcoming.
President Yoon’s side has requested former Minister Kim and Special Warfare Command 707 Special Task Force Unit leader Kim Hyun-tae be called as witnesses.
Attention is focused on what will be discussed among those involved in martial law during the testimony, following President Yoon’s public statement today.
This has been Shin Ji-won reporting from the Constitutional Court.
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