The National Assembly passed a motion to impeach him last week, about 11 days after Yoon abruptly declared martial law on Dec. 3, citing the need to eradicate "pro-North Korean forces and their anti-government activities" to protect South Korea's constitutional order. About several hours later, some 190 lawmakers gathered in the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift martial law.
Kim Hyeong-du, one of the six Constitutional Court justices, told reporters that the request for Yoon's response was sent out Monday morning. "This is a customary procedure for requesting it to proceed with the impeachment trial," Kim said.
According to regulations, Yoon must submit his response within seven days of the request. If it was delivered on Dec. 16 as planned, the deadline would be Dec. 23. However, any delay in delivery could extend the deadline.
Once Yoon's response arrives, the court will begin reviewing it along with impeachment-related documents submitted by the National Assembly.
When asked whether the court could conclude its deliberations to decide whether to impeach or reinstate Yoon by April next year, Kim responded, "We will have to see."
The court also announced the previous day that it has formed a special task force of about 10 members solely dedicated to handling Yoon's case.
The first public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 27. If things go smoothly as planned, the trial could begin as early as next month.
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