A survey conducted by the Journalists Association of Korea reveals that reporters covering President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial overwhelmingly predict a unanimous decision to remove him from office. Of the 10 reporters who attended all 11 hearings at the Constitutional Court, nine expect the ruling to uphold the impeachment, permanently removing Yoon from the presidency.
Among the reporters, eight predicted a unanimous vote to uphold the impeachment, while one anticipated a 7-1 decision. Only one journalist believes the court will reject the impeachment motion and reinstate Yoon, though this reporter did not provide a specific vote count.
The Constitutional Court is deliberating Yoon’s fate after he was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, following his short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3. For Yoon to be removed from office, at least six of the court’s eight justices must vote in favor of upholding the impeachment.
The justices have been carefully considering the case, with discussions kept confidential. As of now, the date for the verdict announcement has not been set. Throughout the trial, the Constitutional Court has livestreamed the proceedings, with 46 out of 90 seats in the briefing room reserved for journalists covering the case.
With the fate of the suspended president hanging in the balance, the outcome of this historic impeachment trial could have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape.
