South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Skips First Trial Hearing

Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol cites safety concerns as he avoids impeachment hearing while facing potential arrest for insurrection charges.

Yoon Suk Yeol, suspended South Korean president, will not attend the first Constitutional Court hearing on his impeachment, citing unresolved safety concerns.
Yoon was impeached in December after a failed martial law declaration that led to political chaos and widespread protests across the country.
Investigators are preparing a second attempt to arrest Yoon on insurrection charges, which could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
Yoon remains in his fortified presidential residence, protected by loyal guards, while rival protests for and against him continue to escalate in Seoul.
The Constitutional Court has scheduled five hearings through February 4 to decide whether to uphold Yoon's impeachment or reinstate him as president.