Impeached South Korean President Denies Ordering Arrests as Trial Begins

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denies ordering lawmakers’ arrests during martial law attempt.
Constitutional court trial underway to determine Yoon’s permanent removal from office.
Supporters rally amid tight security, echoing claims of defending democracy against opposition forces.

Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made his first appearance at his impeachment trial on Tuesday, firmly denying allegations that he ordered the arrest of lawmakers during his failed attempt to impose martial law.

Yoon, who has been detained since last week, is facing an impeachment trial after parliament voted to remove him last month. The constitutional court is now deciding whether to permanently strip him of office. He is also under separate criminal investigation for allegedly leading an insurrection.

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Transported under tight security from his detention centre to the constitutional court, Yoon faced questioning about claims that he instructed military commanders to remove lawmakers who had opposed his martial law declaration on December 3. The lawmakers had reportedly breached barricades to vote against the order.

When asked directly if he had issued such an order, Yoon replied, “No.” He maintained that the martial law directive was a “formality” and not intended for implementation, asserting his commitment to liberal democracy.

Prosecutors appointed by the parliament criticized Yoon’s defence, calling it “contradictory, irrational, and unclear.” They warned that his evasive responses could damage his case and further erode public trust.

Outside the court, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered despite heightened security measures. Police erected anti-riot barricades and maintained distance between the protesters and the court.