South Korea: President Yoon Hospitalized Post-Impeachment Trial
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Synopsis
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a hospital for medical treatment following his impeachment trial. His attorney stated that the treatment was recommended a month ago. Meanwhile, Yoon continues to face allegations of insurrection and abuse of power amid ongoing investigations.
Key Takeaways
- President Yoon Suk Yeol hospitalized after impeachment trial.
- Yoon was impeached on December 14.
- Ongoing investigations into insurrection allegations.
- Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide.
- Potential snap election if Yoon is ousted.
Seoul, Jan 21 (NationPress) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was hospitalized in central Seoul on Tuesday after attending his initial impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, according to his legal representative.
The president, along with his convoy, left the court at 4:42 p.m. and proceeded to the Armed Forces Seoul Capital District Hospital.
He returned to the Seoul Detention Centre at 9:09 p.m., where investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials were prepared to carry out further interrogations.
Yoon's attorney, Yun Gap-geun, informed reporters that a medical treatment was suggested by Yoon's doctor a month prior and could not be postponed any longer, hence the visit today. However, further specifics were not disclosed.
The justice ministry also validated Yoon's hospital visit, stating that the president had undergone a medical evaluation by the detention center’s healthcare team the day before, which prompted the recommendation for him to seek external medical care, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The ministry refrained from sharing additional information regarding Yoon's treatment due to privacy concerns.
Earlier that day, during his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, Yoon Suk Yeol refuted allegations that he had ordered military personnel to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly following his martial law declaration last month.
When questioned by acting court President Moon Hyung-bae about whether he had directed military leaders to prevent lawmakers from voting against his martial law decree from December 3, Yoon denied such claims.
Impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, Yoon is currently suspended from his duties while investigations unfold regarding accusations of insurrection and misuse of authority linked to his martial law declaration.
The Constitutional Court is mandated to make a decision within 180 days from when the case was received on December 14, either upholding the impeachment and removing him from office or dismissing it and reinstating him.
Should Yoon be removed, a snap presidential election would need to be conducted within 60 days.
