While public hearings in Yun’s impeachment case could take months, the court is under pressure to make a quick decision and end the political uncertainty. The protesters vowed to continue their calls for Yun’s removal during the court proceedings.
In the previous two cases, the president of South Korea was threatened with impeachment, the court overturned one decision and upheld the other.
Observers say Yun’s trial will be complicated by the fact that the court has only six out of nine judges, as three have recently retired and have yet to be replaced.
If the court upholds Yun’s impeachment, the country must hold new presidential elections within 60 days. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Dak-soo is acting as president.
It is not yet clear whether Yoon himself will speak at the court hearing.
He ignored a summons to meet with prosecutors in Seoul on Sunday and is scheduled to be sent back for questioning. If he does not come forward this week, the police may arrest him.
Yoon defended his decision to impose martial law, and after his impeachment he reiterated that he would fight to the end.
A few minutes after the constitutional court session on Monday morning, PNP leader Han Dong Hun announced his resignation.
