South Korea's Constitutional Court is set to rule on Friday on whether to impeach President Yun Seok-yeol, either removing him from office or reinstating him, four months after the conservative leader plunged the country into chaos with his botched declaration of martial law.
The court is due to rule on Mr Yun in a hearing that will be broadcast on national television and begins at 11:00 a.m. (02:00 GMT).
For impeachment to be approved, at least six of the eight justices must vote to remove Yun.
If the court decides to remove Mr. Yun from office, national elections will be held within two months to appoint a new president.
If the court rules in favor of the president, he will immediately resume his presidential duties.
Mr Yun's announcement of martial law on Dec. 3 lasted just six hours before he was forced to reverse it after the liberal opposition-controlled legislature quickly rejected the decision.
Later in December, the assembly passed a resolution to impeach Mr. Yun, suspending his powers and referring his case to the Constitutional Court.
Mr. Yun also faces a separate criminal trial on charges of sedition.
Whatever the decision, experts predict it will further exacerbate internal divisions. Millions of people have taken to the streets over the past four months to protest or support Mr. Yoon, deepening South Korea’s already significant division between conservatives and liberals.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
