SEOUL, South Korea — In a dramatic first appearance at his impeachment trial, South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol adamantly denied allegations that he ordered military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to prevent them from overturning his controversial martial law decree.

The trial unfolded at the Constitutional Court on January 21, 2025, marking Yoon's first public appearance since his arrest. This event follows a turbulent political atmosphere triggered by his martial law declaration on December 3, which was swiftly rejected by the legislature.

During the proceedings, Yoon asserted that his intent was not to suppress the assembly, but to issue a warning to the opposition Democratic Party, whom he claimed were obstructing governmental affairs. “I did not intend to block the assembly,” he stressed, explaining that lawmakers could have reconvened elsewhere to challenge the decree.

Yet, Kwak Jong-keun, commander of a military unit during the incident, contradicted Yoon, claiming he received direct orders to "drag out" lawmakers from the assembly. “If I had obstructed [the vote], I think I wouldn’t have been able to handle the consequences,” Yoon responded, attempting to distance himself from the narrative of coercion. This conflict of testimonies raises questions about the real motives behind Yoon’s decision.

Legal representatives for Yoon defended the martial law as a necessary measure to alert the public regarding alleged abuses by the Democratic Party, asserting it was a "formality" not meant for execution. Meanwhile, prosecutors lambasted this defense as “irrational” and based on contradictory claims.

The constitutional court has a timeframe of up to 180 days to decide on Yoon’s fate, which could solidify his removal or lead to reinstatement as the country's leader. Observers anticipate a ruling before the official deadline, given the urgency of the situation.

Yoon’s actions have deeply unsettled South Korea, with implications for its image as a democracy and stirring public discontent. After a warrant for his continued detention was issued, his supporters demonstrated with aggressive rallies, reminiscent of previous political conflicts in the nation.

The situation remains fluid, as the Constitutional Court continues to hear testimonies, including from military officials involved in the controversial declaration. “This is a conflict between people who pursue democracy and those they accuse of promoting communism,” stated one of Yoon’s supporters, expressing the stark divisions this episode has revealed within South Korean society.

As the trial proceeds, the future of President Yoon and South Korea's political landscape hangs in the balance amid escalating tensions both domestically and internationally.

For more detailed coverage, visit CNN, AP News, and South China Morning Post.