South Korea’s impeached president has denied that he ordered the military to drag lawmakers out of the National Assembly to prevent them from voting to reject his martial law decree last month, as he appeared for the first time before the Constitutiona...

Summary

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denied ordering military action to block lawmakers from voting against his martial law decree during his first appearance at the Constitutional Court.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, citing opposition obstruction, plunged the nation into turmoil. Lawmakers unanimously rejected the decree, leading to Yoon’s impeachment.

Military commanders contradicted Yoon, alleging he ordered physical removal of lawmakers.

Yoon faces investigations for rebellion, risking life imprisonment or the death penalty.

His actions have strained South Korea’s democracy and global image, fueling domestic divisions.