Pres.Yoon's final impeachment hearing concludes; verdict likely in mid-March

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

Following 11 rounds of arguments, the Constitutional Court has finished reviewing the allegations against President Yoon Suk Yeol, from obstruction of parliamentary activities to the use of emergency martial law directives.

Now, with the final arguments concluded, all eyes are on the court as it prepares to deliver its verdict.

In his final statement on Tuesday, President Yoon made a bold pledge—to push for constitutional reform if reinstated.

He emphasized that a revision is essential to better fit the country's present and future.

He also delivered two apologies, one to the people for the confusion caused by the emergency measures and another referencing young supporters who've faced legal trouble after his arrest.

Now that the trial has concluded, let's delve into the prospects, and for this, we invite attorney Kim Jisu here in the studio with us. Welcome.

Also joining us is Cho Hee-kyung, Professor of Law at Hongik University. Welcome, Professor.

1. (Kim) So attorney Kim, the impeachment trial of President Yoon concluded with its 11th and final hearing yesterday. How would you assess the proceedings of the trial so far? Do you believe the impeachment review has탄핵 재판이 충분히 진행되었다고 생각하십니까?

2. (Cho) Now let's bring in Prof.Cho to the conversation, during the 11th hearing, both the National Assembly and the President's legal team presented their final arguments on key issues, including obstruction of parliamentary activities and directives to detain politicians and legal professionals. In your view, what is the most critical issue that will determine the Constitutional Court's final decision?

3.(Kim) President Yoon made history as the first sitting president to personally deliver a final statement in an impeachment trial. During his 67-minute speech, he spent much of the time criticizing the major opposition party and justifying the emergency martial law measures. As a legal expert, what's your assessment?

4.(Cho) In his final remarks, President Yoon also issued a public apology and even suggested a constitutional amendment to shorten his term if he is reinstated. Prof.Cho, how should we interpret this? Do you think it could influence the Constitutional Court's decision?

5. (Kim) In past impeachment trials, it took about two weeks from the conclusion of arguments until the final ruling. In President Yoon's case, when do you anticipate the court will deliver its verdict? and what are the next steps following the final arguments attorney Kim?

6. (Cho) Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to rule on February 27th regarding the authority dispute case over the non-appointment of Constitutional Court Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk. Professor Cho, Could this decision become a last-minute variable in the impeachment trial ruling?

7. (Kim) Shifting gears, President Yoon's legal team has reignited the so-called "warrant shopping" controversy, arguing that the CIO initially requested a warrant from the Seoul Central District Court for an investigation into President Yoon's insurrection charges, but after repeated rejections, ultimately obtained approval from the Seoul Western District Court. Given that the President's legal team has now submitted a detention cancellation request, do you think the latest controversy will influence the review of this request?

8. (Kim) Now with this, when do you expect a decision on President Yoon's detention cancellation request? If the ruling on this request comes before the impeachment verdict, could it have any impact on the final ruling?

9. (Cho) Now Prof. Cho, separate from the impeachment trial, President Yoon is also facing a criminal trial related to charges of leading an insurrection. Do you believe the outcome of the impeachment trial will have any impact on the progression of his criminal case?