South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has refuted claims that he instructed military personnel to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to prevent them from reversing his brief declaration of martial law last month. During his initial appearance at the constitutional court, which is set to determine the validity of his impeachment, Yoon answered “no” when a judge inquired if he had ordered the military to clear lawmakers from the assembly.
In a dramatic scene, defiant lawmakers scaled walls to access the chamber and confronted armed troops before voting to rescind martial law just hours after Yoon had enacted it on December 3. Although the MPs ultimately succeeded in their vote, the incident served as a stark reminder of South Korea’s turbulent past under military rule.
Yoon’s declaration has led to weeks of political turmoil in South Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia. The suspended president’s future hinges on the constitutional court’s decision to either uphold or overturn his impeachment.
Yoon’s denial of having authorized military action against lawmakers contradicts statements made by Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, the former chief of the army’s special warfare command. Kwak testified that Yoon had contacted him via secure phone to inform him that lawmakers opposing martial law had not yet reached a quorum, instructing him to “break down the door immediately and remove those inside.”
An ultra-conservative leader, Yoon’s presidency has been marred by controversy, and he is currently under investigation for allegedly committing insurrection with his martial law declaration—a serious charge that carries significant penalties, including potential imprisonment or even the death penalty, from which South Korean presidents do not enjoy immunity.
Last week, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and is currently detained in a small cell at the Seoul detention center, where he wears a standard khaki uniform and consumes meals costing around a dollar each. Following a court’s decision to extend his detention, hundreds of his supporters clashed with police, reminiscent of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
On Tuesday, as approximately 4,000 supporters gathered outside the constitutional court amid a heavy police presence, Yoon expressed his unwavering belief in liberal democracy. “Since coming of age, I have lived with a firm belief in liberal democracy until this very day, especially during my time in public service,” he stated, dressed in a dark blue suit and red tie. “As the constitutional court exists to defend the constitution, I ask the justices to consider me favorably.” The court has 180 days from December 14 to reach a decision.