Only one of the 10 surveyed predicted verdict reinstating Yoon
Reporters who covered all 11 hearings of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial overwhelmingly predict a unanimous decision to remove the suspended president, the country's journalist association reported Wednesday.
According to the Journalists Association of Korea’s survey of 10 reporters who covered the Constitutional Court throughout Yoon’s trial, nine expect the ruling to uphold his impeachment, removing him from the top office permanently. Eight of them said it will be a unanimous decision, while one opted for a 7-1 vote.
Only one reporter predicted the top court will reject the parliament’s impeachment of the president and reinstate him, without estimating the vote count.
The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating Yoon's fate. He was impeached by the parliament on Dec. 14 over his Dec. 3 short-lived martial law declaration.
To confirm Yoon's removal from office, at least six of the court’s currently eight-member bench must vote in favor of upholding the motion. The justices have been deliberating the case closely, with all discussions kept strictly confidential. The date of the verdict announcement has not yet been confirmed.
The Constitutional Court livestreamed the impeachment trial proceedings in a briefing room with 90 seats, 46 of which are reserved exclusively for journalists registered to cover the court.
cjh@heraldcorp.com
