South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his December martial law decree during his impeachment trial's final oral arguments. The Constitutional Court will decide by mid-March whether to remove him from office or reinstate his powers. Yoon, a conservative, was impeached by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly, which accused him of triggering political turmoil and damaging the country's international image. His martial law declaration led to his arrest and indictment on rebellion charges, which carry the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Yoon argues that his actions were an attempt to address a do-or-die national crisis. "The reason why I declared martial law was because of a desperation as I could no longer neglect a do-or-die crisis facing this country," Yoon said. He described the assembly as "a den of criminals" and "anti-state forces." Despite deploying troops to maintain order, Yoon insists he did not intend to disrupt the assembly. However, some military commanders reported that he ordered lawmakers' removal to prevent overturning his decree. Mass protests for and against Yoon have divided South Korea's cities.
If removed, a national election must occur within two months. Yoon has suggested political reforms, including changing the current single five-year term for presidents, established in 1987. He said he may resign before his term ends in 2027 to promote such reforms. Proposals include a parliamentary Cabinet system or allowing presidents to serve a second term. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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