Observations that Yoon's impeachment trial verdict announcement is imminent... expected on 20-21st

Possibility of verdict date notification between 17-18th

Trial situation and Han Deok-soo's verdict are variables

President Yoon Suk Yeol's Constitutional Court impeachment trial verdict is expected to be announced in the latter part of this week.

According to the legal community on the 17th, the Constitutional Court has been holding judges' deliberations almost daily for nearly three weeks since the closing arguments on the 25th of last month, reviewing the issues. In cases like this where a special date is designated for the verdict rather than a regular sentencing date, the Constitutional Court typically notifies the parties 2-3 days in advance, but neither the National Assembly nor President Yoon have been notified yet.

Accordingly, observations suggest that the Constitutional Court will announce the verdict date today or on the 18th, and conclude the case in the latter part of this week. President Yoon's case has already set the record for the longest presidential impeachment trial, with a longer period from the day of impeachment to verdict than former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye. The period from the closing of arguments to the verdict is also the longest.

The lengthy deliberation is reportedly due to the numerous issues raised by both the National Assembly and President Yoon. The judges are expected to enter the final conclusion stage as soon as they complete their review of each issue.

If the Constitutional Court accepts the National Assembly's impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office; if rejected, President Yoon will immediately return to his duties.

According to the Constitution, a removal decision requires the approval of at least 6 judges. The Constitutional Court has maintained its policy of reaching a conclusion as quickly as possible, considering the national confusion caused by the presidential impeachment, from the moment the case was received until now.

However, as variables that could affect the Constitutional Court's deliberation still remain, the possibility that the verdict might not be possible this week cannot be ruled out if deliberations are delayed in relation to reaching a conclusion.

The Constitutional Court is also simultaneously deliberating on Prime Minister Han Deok-soo's impeachment trial. There are predictions that the verdict could be delayed if the judges decide that Prime Minister Han's case should be decided first, if Judge Candidate Ma Eun-hyeok joins midway, or if time is required for coordination to maintain a 'unanimous' conclusion.

Ahn Hye-won, Hankyung.com reporter anhw@hankyung.com