The hearing, which began at 2:00 p.m. local time (0500 GMT), included the examination of evidence by Yoon's legal team and the National Assembly, which acted as the prosecution.
Appearing in court at 9:00 p.m., Yoon expressed regret for the confusion caused by his martial law declaration, claiming it was necessary due to a national emergency. However, the opposition argued that no such emergency existed.
Yoon insisted lawmakers were not prevented from entering the National Assembly to revoke the martial law, which lasted only two and a half hours. The emergency declaration, issued on Dec. 3, was overturned by the opposition-led parliament shortly after.
During the brief imposition, military helicopters landed at the National Assembly, and armed soldiers entered the building, as shown in TV footage.
While Yoon denied ordering the removal of lawmakers, military commanders testified they had received such directives, according to the prosecution.
The National Assembly's lawyers argued Yoon had violated the constitution and was unfit for office due to his outdated views on presidential emergency powers.
Yoon was apprehended on Jan. 15 and indicted on Jan. 26 as a suspected leader of insurrection, a charge that could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion on Dec. 14, suspending Yoon's presidency while the court deliberates for up to 180 days. However, given past precedents, a final ruling is expected within two weeks.
IGIHE
