South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appears at his impeachment hearing at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, January 21, 2025. Photo: Kyodo/VNA

In a brief address, President Yoon reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the principles of "liberal democracy" and urged the judges to review his case with impartiality, thoroughness, and good faith.

When questioned by the court, President Yoon explicitly denied allegations that he had directed the military to use force to remove lawmakers from the National Assembly following his declaration of martial law on the night of December 3, 2024.

This hearing was the third in the ongoing impeachment process initiated by a resolution from the National Assembly. All eight Constitutional Court judges were present for the proceedings.