S. Korean President Yoon Skips Impeachment Hearing, Faces Arrest on Insurrection Charges

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to Skip Impeachment Trial Hearing Due to Safety Concerns

South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial next week, citing safety concerns. This decision comes amidst a tense standoff between his guards and investigators following his short-lived power grab that plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated in a statement that concerns about safety and potential incidents have arisen, making it impossible for the President to attend the trial on January 14th. However, he emphasized the President's willingness to appear at any time once safety issues are resolved.

The Constitutional Court has scheduled five trial dates spanning January 14th to February 4th. If Yoon chooses not to attend, the trial will proceed in his absence.

Meanwhile, investigators seeking to question Yoon on insurrection charges linked to his martial law declaration have secured a new warrant and are preparing another arrest attempt. If successful, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.

He faces charges of "insurrection" and, if formally arrested and convicted, could face imprisonment or even the death penalty.