The first hearing for the impeachment trial of a sitting president, which is happening for the first time in constitutional history, is expected to be delayed due to the absence of the parties involved. The second hearing scheduled for the 16th is anticipated to feature the main arguments.
According to the legal community on the 13th, President Yoon Seok-yeol's side has expressed their intention not to attend the first impeachment trial hearing scheduled for the 14th, citing personal safety and security concerns. According to the Constitutional Court Act, if a party does not appear, a new date must be set. Accordingly, the first hearing is expected to conclude without any significant dispute. However, from the second hearing onward, the trial can proceed even if the parties do not attend. The Constitutional Court has already designated five hearing dates, excluding holidays, every Tuesday and Thursday. The second hearing on the 16th is expected to be the actual first round of the impeachment trial.
In the past, former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2017 did not attend any impeachment trial procedures, including the first hearing. However, unlike the former presidents, President Yoon's side has stated that he will attend "at an appropriate time." Yoon's attorney, Yoon Gap-geun, stated in a press release the day before, "For the president to attend the constitutional trial, personal safety and security issues must be resolved," adding, "Once safety issues are resolved, he plans to attend at any time."
For President Yoon to appear in court, discussions related to security must take place. However, the possibility of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit executing an arrest warrant in the meantime remains a variable. A Constitutional Court official said, "(Regarding security measures in preparation for President Yoon's attendance) it is not the stage to disclose details at this time."
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