SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - The National Assembly impeachment panel, tasked with acting as "prosecutors" in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial, announced Tuesday it will form a legal team of up to 20 members.
On Dec. 3, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Yoon declared emergency martial law, citing the need to eliminate "pro-North Korean forces and anti-government activities" to protect South Korea’s constitutional order. Following the declaration, about 1,500 soldiers were mobilized to key government facilities, including the National Assembly in Seoul.
The military action triggered widespread political backlash. In response, 190 lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution at 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 4 to lift martial law. This escalation led to the approval of an impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14, suspending his presidential duties after a vote of 204 in favor, and 85 against.
The impeachment panel, led by Jung Chung-rae, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, includes nine Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers, Park Eun-jeong from the Rebuilding Korea Party, and Chun Ha-ram from the New Reform Party.
Choi Ki-sang, the panel’s spokesperson and secretary, explained the decision to expand the legal team. "During the impeachment trials of former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye, the National Assembly's legal team had about 14 to 15 members. Given the significance of this case and the need for a swift trial, we are considering expanding the team to as many as 20 members."
The panel will meet regularly, two to three times per week, to prepare for the proceedings. All members are expected to attend the first public hearing, scheduled for Dec. 27 at the Constitutional Court.
However, during the hearing, only Jung and the legal team will be allowed to speak, while the remaining panel members will assist in supporting roles.
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