South Korea President Denies Ordering Arrest of Lawmakers Amid Impeachment Trial

South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has denied accusations that he ordered the arrest of lawmakers during an alleged attempt to impose martial law. This denial came during his first appearance at his impeachment trial on Tuesday.

The impeachment process follows a vote by the South Korean parliament last month, and the Constitutional Court has begun hearings to determine whether Yoon should be permanently removed from office.

Yoon is also under a separate criminal investigation regarding allegations that he played a role in inciting an insurrection. The political situation remains tense, as the trial continues and the future of his presidency hangs in the balance.

Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained since last week, with tight security measures in place as he was transported from the detention center to the Constitutional Court. Police erected anti-riot barricades and formed human walls to prevent his supporters from getting too close.

During the hearing, Yoon was questioned regarding accusations that he instructed military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament on December 3, the night he declared martial law, in order to stop them from reversing his decision.

Yoon denied the claim, stating: “I am a person who has lived with a firm belief in liberal democracy. As the constitutional court exists to safeguard the constitution, I ask that you thoroughly examine all aspects of this case.”

Military commanders claimed that Yoon issued the order after lawmakers scaled fences and broke through barricades to enter the parliament building and vote against his martial law declaration.

Yoon’s lawyers argued the martial law order was merely “a formality that was not meant to be executed.”

Yoon justified the declaration by citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, prosecutors contended that the move was motivated more by domestic political challenges than external dangers.

His impeachment trial has deepened divisions within South Korea, sparking protests nationwide.

Outside the courtroom, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters waved South Korean and U.S. flags, with some wearing hats emblazoned with slogans such as “Make Korea Free Again.”

Many supporters defended Yoon’s declaration of martial law, arguing that it was a necessary measure to protect South Korea’s democracy.

“This is a conflict between people who pursue communism and people who pursue democracy,” said Wongeun Seong, a 49-year-old businessman at the protest.

Tensions have escalated, with some protesters demanding the execution of opposition party leader Lee Jae Myung and the investigator handling the criminal case against Yoon.

Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is said to have suggested the martial law declaration to Yoon, is scheduled to testify on Thursday.

If six out of the eight constitutional court judges vote to uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, leading to a presidential election within 60 days.

The ongoing political crisis has unsettled South Korea’s economy, causing the won to weaken and prompting global credit rating agencies to issue warnings about declining consumer and business confidence.