[AI Thoughts...] Why Is the Constitutional Court Delaying the Impeachment Trial of Yoon?

Yoon Impeachment Delayed to April, 104 Days Since Filing
Sentencing May Come After Retirement of Justices Moon Hyungbae and Lee Miseon
Chat GPT Cites 'Political Pressure and Controversy' as Reasons for Delay
Procedural Disputes Possible If Verdict Delivered After Justices' Retirement
Trial Delay Causes Negative Effects Domestically and Internationally

Reporter: "What do you think about the delay in the impeachment trial of President Yoon Sukyeol?"

Chat GPT: "The impeachment trial is a very important legal procedure and, being politically sensitive, the Constitutional Court is likely approaching it with caution to avoid social conflict."

The Constitutional Court has been deliberating on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Sukyeol for 104 days since the case was filed on December 14 last year. It has been 32 days since the final arguments were concluded on the 25th of last month, marking the longest deliberation period in the history of presidential impeachment cases.

The Constitutional Court is expected to notify the sentencing date as early as the beginning of next week and to deliver the verdict in the latter part of the week. With by-elections scheduled for April 2, April 3 or 4 are being mentioned as possible sentencing dates.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising that the impeachment trial could be further delayed as the verdict has already been postponed to April, and Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyungbae and Justice Lee Miseon are set to retire on the 18th of next month.

We asked generative AI Chat GPT about the reasons for the delay in President Yoon's impeachment trial.

Chat GPT explained, "The impeachment trial is a very important legal procedure, so it can take a long time. All related evidence and legal arguments must be carefully reviewed, which is one of the main reasons for the lengthy process," adding, "The impeachment trial of President Yoon involves a variety of issues and complexities."

It continued, "Presidential impeachment is a politically sensitive issue. There is analysis that the Constitutional Court is proceeding with caution to avoid political controversy and social conflict," suggesting that political pressure and controversy may be underlying factors.

On the 24th, the day of the impeachment trial verdict for Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Chief Justice Moon Hyungbae, acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, along with other justices, are seated in the courtroom of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Acting Chief Justice Moon and Justice Lee were inaugurated on April 19, 2019, and will retire on the 18th of next month, completing their six-year terms. When the two justices retire, the Constitutional Court will operate with six justices. Chat GPT noted that if the impeachment verdict is delivered after their retirement, there could be procedural controversy.

Chat GPT said, "If the deliberations have already concluded or the verdict is pending before Acting Chief Justice Moon and Justice Lee retire, there may not be a problem. However, if the justices influence the verdict after their retirement, their authority and responsibility could become a matter of controversy."

It added, "If retired justices have participated in the deliberations and the verdict is delivered, questions could be raised about the fairness or consistency of the decision. If the verdict is delivered after their retirement, concerns about the neutrality and fairness of the trial may arise. There is a sufficient possibility that discussions about the legitimacy of the Constitutional Court's decision will occur."

On the 26th, near Gyeongbokgung Station on Jahamun-ro in Jongno-gu, Seoul, groups and citizens calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Seokyeol shouted slogans. Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, Chat GPT pointed out that the delay in the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial is causing negative effects such as ▲increased political uncertainty ▲heightened social conflict ▲decline in public trust ▲disruptions in administrative and legislative functions ▲and evaluations from the international community.

Chat GPT stated, "If the presidential impeachment trial is delayed, it may become difficult to pursue consistent policies in important areas such as the economy or diplomacy," and "conflict between supporters and opponents will intensify, potentially leading to social division or extreme confrontation."

It continued, "A prompt and fair judgment on major legal matters like presidential impeachment is an indicator of a country's political stability and the reliability of its legal system. Other countries may have doubts about Korea's political stability," adding, "The delay in the impeachment trial inevitably increases social confusion and uncertainty, so a prompt and fair trial is necessary."