The session, which began at 2 p.m., included closing statements from both sides. Lawmakers leading the case accused Yoon of ordering military forces "to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly and arrest them," presenting an alleged memo from a special forces unit as evidence. Yoon's legal representatives denied the accusations, arguing that the declaration was "necessary."
Later in the day, Yoon appeared to deliver his final statement before the court, spending most of his time defending his decision to declare martial law, which eventually led to an impeachment trial that could remove him from office.
In a lengthy hour-long address filled with a mix of regret and defiance, Yoon described the period of over 80 days since his Dec. 3 martial law declaration as "the hardest days" of his life.
Reflecting on fierce opposition and criticism over the political turmoil caused by the declaration, he said he was "sorry and thankful" to the public, while expressing deep regret for being unable to carry out his duties as president.
He reiterated, "The decision I made was not for personal gain. The easier path would have been to simply compromise," insisting the his martial law declaration was "not a crime but a legitimate exercise of presidential authority" made out of "desperation to prevent a national crisis."
He also criticized the DP of paralyzing government functions through "a series of excessive attempts to impeach key officials, abuse of legislative power and budget obstruction."
Yoon then strongly rejected accusations from opposition parties, who labeled it an attempted coup, and questioned, "Can there be a rebellion that lasts only two hours?"
He also pointed out the DP's continuous attempts to undermine his presidency, claiming that it engaged in a plot to remove a democratically-elected president. "The opposition's actions threaten to destroy our democratic system and the constitutional order," he said.
Yoon also hinted at pursuing a constitutional amendment if he is reinstated to office, with the prime minister taking on key domestic responsibilities.
There has been a persistent call to move away from the country's current single five-year presidential term and adopt some elements of a parliamentary cabinet system that ensures a more balanced distribution of power.
"If I return to office, I will dedicate the latter half of my term to constitutional and political reforms," he said, adding that he will "not be fixated on the remainder of his term."
As Yoon's last hearing concludes, the court will now begin its deliberations to decide whether to impeach or reinstate the president in the coming weeks, with a final verdict expected to be delivered by mid-March.
A decision to uphold the impeachment would require at least six of the current eight justices to vote in favor, which would result in Yoon's immediate ouster from office.
Should the impeachment be upheld, Yoon would be ousted from office, leading to a snap presidential election within 60 days.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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