South Korea's Yoon faces historic insurrection trial

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court for the first hearing of his unprecedented criminal trial over charges of insurrection related to his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Yoon, who faces potential life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted, is accused of attempting to shut down the National Assembly and suppress political opposition. His legal team argues that the martial law declaration was within his presidential powers and should not be subject to judicial review. Concurrently, Yoon's impeachment trial is progressing in the Constitutional Court, which is expected to decide soon whether to permanently remove him from office. Amid heightened security, key witnesses are expected to testify in both the criminal and impeachment proceedings, highlighting the significant political turmoil surrounding Yoon's leadership. This historic trial marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced criminal charges.