South Korea’s Constitutional Court convened on Monday to begin its review of the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The case follows the National Assembly’s impeachment motion, passed late Saturday with 204 votes—well above the two-thirds majority threshold required in the 300-member legislature.
Six judges from the court decided to hold the first hearing on December 27, following their initial meeting after the impeachment vote. Representatives from the National Assembly and President Yoon will participate in the hearing to determine procedural steps for resolving the case. Additionally, the court announced the formation of a task force to facilitate the review.
“We will handle this swiftly and fairly,” said Judge Kim Hyung-du, addressing reporters before the meeting. He emphasized the importance of organizing preparatory procedures effectively. Judge Kim also expressed confidence that the court would achieve its full composition of nine members by the end of December, as motions to elect three judges were submitted last week, with confirmation hearings planned for later this week.
For the impeachment to be upheld, six of the nine judges must vote in favor.
The court’s review comes amid escalating legal challenges for President Yoon. On Sunday, Yoon declined a summons from prosecutors investigating his alleged involvement in a case of martial law declaration earlier this month. Prosecutors reissued the summons on Monday, though Yoon’s appearance remains uncertain, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Separately, police announced plans to summon Yoon on Wednesday in connection with allegations of rioting and abuse of office. The president has yet to respond to these summonses.
The impeachment vote has triggered a crisis within the People Power Party (PPP). On Monday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon resigned after facing backlash for supporting the impeachment measure and persuading enough party members to vote in favor.
“I am resigning as leader of the People Power Party because I can no longer fulfill my duties following the resignations of board members,” Han stated during a press conference. Five of the nine board members resigned, citing dissatisfaction with Han’s handling of the impeachment.
Despite a consensus within the PPP to oppose impeachment, a secret ballot revealed that 12 PPP lawmakers joined all 192 opposition and independent MPs in supporting the motion.
The main opposition Democratic Party continues to press its advantage amid the political turmoil. Democratic leader Lee Jae-myung called on acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to establish a bipartisan body to address national issues while the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon’s fate.
“It is time for the National Assembly to actively manage the affairs of the Republic of Korea,” Lee said at a press conference on Sunday. “The People’s Power Party is no longer the ruling party. The ruling party, as it stands, no longer exists,” he added.
