South Korea’s Yoon remains defiant as court begins impeachment review. government news
The Constitutional Court will hold its first public hearing on December 27 as Yoon announces his defense team.
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol has rebuked investigators seeking answers over his failed attempt to declare martial law, as the country’s constitutional court begins a parallel process to decide whether he should be impeached. Should be removed from the post.
Prosecutors issued a second summons to Yoon on Monday for questioning on charges of rebellion and abuse of power after he “refused to comply” with a similar request on Sunday.
The joint investigation unit also asked that the suspended president appear to answer questions on Wednesday, but his office rebuffed him, according to Yonhap news agency.
If he continues to refuse, investigators may seek an arrest warrant issued by the court.
South Korea’s parliament impeached Yoon on Saturday over his short-lived attempt to suspend civilian rule.
The attempted declaration of martial law plunged the country into its worst political turmoil in years, forcing several officials to resign, including Yun’s ruling party leader, Han Dong-hoon, who Announced on Monday that he was stepping down from office.
If Yoon’s removal is upheld by the Constitutional Court, new elections must be held within two months. Prime Minister Han Duk-soo is serving as interim leader in Yoon’s place.
On Monday, the court began its review of Yun’s impeachment.
It has scheduled its first public hearing for Dec. 27, court spokeswoman Lee Jean said at a press conference on Monday after the court’s six judges met to discuss plans for an impeachment review.
The court has up to six months to decide on the case.
Yoon is not required to attend that hearing, Lee said.
Yun announced his legal defense team on Monday and appointed longtime prosecutor Kim Hong-il as his chief legal representative, News1 agency reported.
In 2017, it took three months for the court to issue a decision removing then-President Park Geun-hye from the presidency following her impeachment for abusing the powers of her office.
international relations
As the Constitutional Court and prosecutors continue the legal process, the government led by Acting President Han is moving quickly to reassure international partners and calm the financial markets of one of the world’s 20 largest economies.
Early Monday, the finance minister, the Bank of Korea governor and top financial regulators met and pledged to monitor financial and foreign exchange markets around the clock.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose for a fifth straight session on Monday and traded at its highest level in more than two weeks as authorities promised to stabilize financial markets and analysts said political uncertainty had eased.
In his first move as acting president, Han spoke by telephone with United States President Joe Biden on Sunday, and pledged an unwavering commitment to pursue foreign and security policies based on the alliance between the two countries .
China also promised to emphasize “healthy and stable” relations with Seoul.
“South Korea is China’s important close neighbor and friendly cooperative partner,” Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Last week, Yun angered China when he said the main opposition party had blocked him from strengthening anti-espionage laws that he said could be used to extradite Chinese citizens suspected of spying on South Korean defense and intelligence assets. Could have been done to punish.
Beijing said it was “extremely surprised and dissatisfied” with Yun’s comments.
