South Korea’s president to skip trial hearing, citing safety concerns

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend the upcoming hearing in his trial, which will determine whether he will be removed from office or reinstated, citing concerns for his personal safety. 

Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, has said that security officials, including the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police, are trying to execute arrest warrants through illegal means, raising fears of mishaps, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“The issue of personal safety and security must be resolved before the president can appear for the trial,” said Yoon Kab-keun.

The Constitutional Court hearing is scheduled for January 14, where the future of Yoon’s presidency will be deliberated. The case stems from an ongoing criminal investigation into Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law during a political crisis in early December. 

The CIO is planning a second attempt to arrest Yoon after a standoff on January 3 at his heavily guarded residence in central Seoul, where security forces clashed with officials for six hours.

This political turmoil, sparked by Yoon's controversial martial law plans, has led to South Korea’s most significant political crisis in decades, as well as a negative impact on the country’s economic growth projections.

The CIO has confirmed the submission of a notice of appointment from Yoon’s legal team but declined further comment on the matter.

By Khagan Isayev