The Constitutional Court of Korea has dismissed the request for recusal submitted by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s side, marking the formal commencement of the impeachment trial. The request was made against Constitutional Court Justice Jeong Gye-seon, citing potential bias due to past affiliations and activities. However, the court, during a session on the 14th of the month, unanimously decided to reject the application after reviewing it thoroughly. This came just 40 days after President Yoon declared martial law.
Despite arguments from Yoon’s side that the trial might be unfair due to Justice Jeong’s past involvement with certain legal groups and his spouse’s background, the court found no substantial grounds for recusal. Unlike the practice of dismissing similar requests on procedural grounds during the impeachment trial of former President Park Geun-hye, the current court carefully examined the arguments before ruling them baseless.
In response to the court’s decision, Yoon’s legal team expressed strong disapproval, criticizing the court for alleged legal and jurisdictional overreach. They also objected to the schedule set by the court, which designated five hearing dates at once, describing it as rushed. The court, however, remained firm, emphasizing that the proceedings are constitutional, not criminal in nature.
The impeachment trial continues to progress, with the next hearing expected soon. The National Assembly’s impeachment panel has requested the summoning of five witnesses, indicating the trial’s momentum despite the president’s early absence from the proceedings. According to constitutional law, the trial can proceed without the presence of the impeached party from the second hearing.