Uncertainty looms for South Korean's president as impeachment hearings continue
What's the story
The impeachment hearings for South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol were underway on Tuesday, a month after he declared an "illegal" martial law.
Yoon was arrested and relieved of his duties after he declared martial law on December 3, which triggered political unrest in the country.
Yoon's unprecedented move included suspending civilian rule and deploying soldiers to parliament.
However, the opposition-dominated parliament resisted, rejecting the martial law decree and impeaching Yoon for his actions.
Legal proceedings
Yoon's arrest and ongoing impeachment hearings
Yoon was arrested in mid-January on insurrection charges, the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested.
When Yoon imposed martial law, he cited threats from "anti-state forces" and North Korea. But it quickly became evident that his decision was motivated by domestic political problems, such as opposition to his budget, and various scandals involving him and his wife.
If the court upholds the impeachment, a new presidential election will have to be held within 60 days.
Court proceedings
Yoon denies allegations, witnesses testify against him
On Tuesday, Yoon arrived at court in a convoy of black SUVs for a hearing.
In earlier hearings, he denied ordering military commanders to remove lawmakers from parliament—an allegation opposition MPs refuted.
Yoon argued the martial law wasn't "failed" but ended sooner than expected.
However, his claims were contradicted by witness testimonies of two former military commanders and an ex-spy agency official on Tuesday.
Yoon, 64, was indicted in January as prosecutors called him a "ringleader of the insurrection."
Legal consequences
Crisis has impacted the country's economy
He also faces a separate criminal trial on the charges, which are not shielded by presidential immunity.
If convicted, he could face jail time or even the death penalty.
Despite the frigid winter weather, thousands of protesters and Yoon supporters have taken to the streets on various occasions.
The turmoil has impacted the country's economy, with the won falling and global credit rating agencies warning of dwindling consumer and industry confidence.