South Korean Constitutional Court Justices Examine Yoon's Impeachment Case with Careful Consideration
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Synopsis
The South Korean Constitutional Court's justices are carefully considering President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case as public interest grows. The court's Secretary General confirmed that multiple meetings are being held, with no set date for a ruling amidst calls for expediency.
Key Takeaways
- Deliberations are ongoing regarding Yoon's impeachment.
- Public interest is prompting careful consideration.
- Opposition parties are advocating for judicial term extensions.
- No timeline has been announced for the court's ruling.
- The court requires a majority decision to uphold impeachment.
Seoul, March 31 (NationPress) The eight justices of the South Korean Constitutional Court are engaging in careful deliberation regarding the impeachment case of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, as stated by a court official on Monday amidst increasing demands for a prompt verdict.
Kim Jung-won, the Secretary General of the court, made this comment in response to a lawmaker's inquiry about the trial, which effectively concluded with the final hearing on February 25.
"Numerous meetings are taking place, and in-depth discussions and reviews are being conducted," he mentioned during a session of the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee.
"Given the significant public interest and potential repercussions, they are approaching the deliberation process with heightened caution."
Kim noted that the justices are convening "frequently" but refrained from revealing the exact number of meetings or the progress made in their discussions. He further indicated that he is not privy to the specifics of their deliberations.
When asked about the timeline for delivering a ruling, he stated: "I am not in a position to comment on that."
Opposition parties are advocating for a legal amendment to automatically extend a justice's term until a replacement is appointed, a proposal that arises as two of the existing eight justices are set to retire in mid-April.
Kim confirmed that the court is internally reviewing this proposal but has yet to establish an official stance on it, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Earlier that day, the interim leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) urged the Constitutional Court to expedite its decision regarding President Yoon's impeachment.
Rep. Kwon Young-se made this appeal as the court continues to deliberate on Yoon's future, 34 days after concluding the hearings. No date has been set for the ruling on Yoon's impeachment.
"Acting court President Moon Hyung-bae should cease further delays and promptly issue a verdict based on the individual decisions of each justice," Kwon stated following a meeting of the PPP's emergency leadership committee.
Yoon was impeached on December 14 due to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law.
It took 63 days for former President Roh Moo-hyun to be reinstated and 92 days for former President Park Geun-hye to be removed from office following the passage of their impeachment motions.
As of now, with 107 days elapsed since Yoon's impeachment, the court has yet to render its decision. On April 18, the terms of two judges appointed by the previous administration will come to an end.
Currently, the court operates with an eight-member bench, and a minimum of six standing judges' consent is required to uphold Yoon's impeachment.
