The president was suspended from his duties after the impeachment vote passed 204 to 85, citing allegations of rebellion and abuse of power.
The impeachment was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, during which soldiers from the Special Warfare Command (SWC) were deployed to government facilities, including the National Assembly. Yoon defended the move, citing threats to national security.
According to the Constitutional Court, court documents were sent to Yoon’s residence and office on Dec. 16, 18, and 19, but all were returned. The Presidential Security Service at the residence refused to accept the documents, while the Presidential Office cited the president’s absence as the reason for rejection.
Yoon has also not notified the Constitutional Court of his legal representatives for the trial, a necessary step to formally begin the proceedings.
Among Korean presidents impeached by the National Assembly—late president Roh Moo-hyun, ousted president Park Geun-hye, and Yoon—he is the only one to refuse both the receipt of court documents and the notification of his legal team.
To prevent further delays and address the leadership vacuum, the court is considering alternative measures, such as leaving the documents at the designated addresses and deeming them delivered.
Yoon’s refusal to accept the documents aligns with his firm stance on the impeachment. His legal representative, Seok Dong-hyun, reiterated Thursday that the president’s declaration of martial law does not constitute rebellion, stating that Yoon remains "firm in his position."