SEOUL — Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is set to appear in court on Monday (April 14) for the first hearing of his criminal trial, where he faces charges of leading an insurrection by declaring martial law late last year—an action that plunged the nation into political chaos. Yoon had justified the imposition of martial law by citing the need to eliminate anti-state elements. However, the order was rescinded just six hours later when parliamentary staff pushed back against special forces attempting to breach the legislature using barricades and fire extinguishers. Lawmakers subsequently voted to reject the decree.

Denying all allegations, Yoon is required by law to attend the hearing, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time at Seoul Central District Court (9 a.m. Singapore time). The charge of insurrection carries a severe penalty—life imprisonment or even the death penalty—though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades. Earlier this month, the Constitutional Court removed Yoon from office, stating that his actions represented a grave breach of constitutional authority and a direct threat to democracy. The court noted that his December 3 martial law declaration shocked the nation and disrupted every facet of society—from the economy to foreign policy.

The crisis also widened ideological divides between conservatives and liberals, placing additional strain on South Koreas institutions and military, which struggled with whether or not to carry out the order. Yoon left the presidential residence on Friday and returned to his private home, where he was welcomed by a crowd of loyal supporters. He remains unyielding and vowed to continue supporting his base.

A snap election is scheduled for June 3, though it remains unclear if Yoon will attempt to re-enter the political arena. During Monday’s hearing, two high-ranking military officers are expected to testify. One of them, Cho Sung-hyun of the army’s capital defense command, previously told the Constitutional Court in February that he had received orders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament. Yoon has denied this claim.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Yonhap via Reuters.