South Korea’s Constitutional Court opened the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history following his controversial attempt to impose martial law.

The court’s first hearing was brief, adjourning shortly after it began at 2:00 pm (0500 GMT) due to Yoon’s absence.

A spokesperson confirmed the adjournment, stating the hearing lasted only minutes.

Yoon’s legal team cited “safety concerns” for his nonattendance, but the court plans to proceed with the remaining hearings as scheduled.

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Yoon’s impeachment follows his December 3 directive for soldiers to storm parliament in an effort to block lawmakers from voting on his suspension of civilian rule.

The failed bid to impose martial law, South Korea’s first in over four decades, lasted just six hours and plunged the nation into its worst political crisis in decades.

The president was swiftly impeached and suspended from office. Since then, Yoon has remained at his residence, refusing summonses from investigators and relying on his presidential security team to resist arrest.

The Constitutional Court’s eight judges will assess whether Yoon’s declaration of martial law was unconstitutional or illegal—either of which would justify his removal.

A decision to uphold the impeachment requires six votes in favor.

The trial, which comprises five scheduled hearings, will continue Thursday, with additional sessions planned for January 21, January 23, and February 4. The court has until mid-June to deliver its ruling.

“This impeachment case focuses solely on the martial law situation,” said Kim Nam-ju, one of Yoon’s lawyers. “Since most of the individuals involved have already been indicted and the facts have been somewhat established, it doesn’t seem like it will take a long time.”

The National Assembly’s legal team has argued for swift action. “There are overwhelming reasons for the immediate dismissal of Yoon,” a representative said before the trial began Tuesday.

While the impeachment trial proceeds, a parallel criminal investigation into Yoon’s actions continues.

A joint team of investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police is preparing another attempt to arrest the suspended president on insurrection charges.

A previous effort to detain Yoon was blocked by his security team, who have since fortified his residence with barbed wire, barricades, and increased patrols.

The defence ministry has clarified that nearby military units will not assist in any arrest attempts.

Yoon’s chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, indicated a willingness to cooperate under specific conditions. “We are ready to consider all options for investigation or visits to the sitting leader at a third location,” he said.

If arrested, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to face detention. A conviction on insurrection charges could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

The impeachment trial comes as South Korea grapples with heightened political instability. Lawmakers also impeached Yoon’s stand-in last month, leaving the country’s leadership in disarray.

The acting president has called for dialogue and urged all parties to resolve the crisis peacefully.

As Southern California battles relentless wildfires, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “particularly dangerous” red flag warning for the Los Angeles area, cautioning residents of potentially explosive fire growth due to strong winds.

Forecasters predict wind gusts peaking at 70 mph (110 km/h) on Tuesday, creating conditions ripe for rapid fire spread. Chad Augustin, Pasadena’s fire chief, described the situation as a critical turning point. “Once we get past Wednesday night, I’ll say, ‘Wooh, we made it.’ But until then, this fire could take off with these increased wind conditions,” he told the BBC.

The region is grappling with three active wildfires, the largest being the Palisades fire, which has scorched over 23,000 acres and is only 13% contained. The Eaton fire follows, consuming 14,000 acres with 27% containment. While firefighters have almost fully contained the smaller Hurst fire, at 95%, challenges remain.

Authorities have placed 105,000 residents under evacuation orders, with at least 24 people confirmed dead and 16 others missing. Firefighters are focusing efforts on hotspots in populated areas, with drones and infrared technology aiding in identifying hidden fire threats.

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Meteorologist Rich Thompson emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that “one of the strongest Santa Ana wind events in several years” had already created “critical fire weather conditions.” The red flag warning is expected to remain in effect until Wednesday, with gusts between 35-55 mph anticipated.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 National Guard members to assist, bringing the total to 2,500 personnel. Meanwhile, emergency services continue working tirelessly to contain the blazes and ensure the safety of residents.

Despite some progress, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that all of LA remains under threat due to the incoming winds. “We are fully committed to ensuring readiness for the next event,” he said.

The Palisades fire incident commander, Jim Hudson, acknowledged the dynamic nature of the battle. “Firefighters are planning two to three ridges away from where the fire is and speaking to communities that could be impacted,” he said.

As efforts continue, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and preventing further destruction. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to evacuation orders, and prepare for challenging days ahead.

Firefighters continued their grueling efforts Saturday night to contain massive wildfires raging across Los Angeles, as fierce winds fueled the flames, driving them toward previously unaffected neighborhoods.

The infernos have left at least 16 people dead, destroyed communities, and put millions of Californians on edge.

The relentless Palisades Fire grew to 23,600 acres by Saturday evening, threatening the Getty Center’s priceless art collections and pushing northward toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley.

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Despite aerial water drops and round-the-clock efforts, the fire was only 11% contained. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire spread to 14,000 acres with 15% containment.

“We’re a nervous wreck,” said Tarzana resident Sarah Cohen. “Every time they drop water, it gets better. But then it gets worse again.”

A lull in the wind Saturday gave firefighters a brief reprieve, but forecasters warned that dangerous gusts would persist for days.

The National Weather Service predicted “critical fire-weather conditions” through early next week, raising fears of further destruction.

Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes, outbuildings, and vehicles. Thousands of displaced residents now face an already tight housing market.

“I’m back on the market with tens of thousands of people,” lamented Brian, who lost his rent-controlled apartment. “That doesn’t bode well.”

Frustration has mounted among residents waiting hours to access disaster zones. “I just want closure,” said Janelle, whose home was confirmed destroyed. “I need to see it with my own eyes.”

With reports of looting, officials imposed nighttime curfews and deployed police and National Guard checkpoints. Residents have also voiced anger over hydrants that ran dry during initial firefighting efforts.

Amid rumors of discord, Mayor Karen Bass and Fire Chief Kristin Crowley presented a united front Saturday. “Our mission is to get us past this emergency,” Bass assured reporters, following reports of funding shortages within the fire department.

Among the victims was former Australian child star Rory Sykes, known for his role in the 1990s British TV show Kiddy Kapers. His mother, Shelley Sykes, mourned his loss on social media, writing, “I’m totally heartbroken.”

Cadaver dogs continued to search the rubble, with several people missing and fears that the death toll could rise.

Cause of the Fires Under Investigation
Authorities launched a large-scale investigation involving the FBI, ATF, and local agencies.

While natural causes or human error are common culprits, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that any criminal intent would be thoroughly investigated.

“If this is a criminal act, we will hold those responsible,” Luna stated.

Climate Challenges and Urban Sprawl
Experts noted that climate change and urban sprawl exacerbate wildfire risks.

Drier conditions and higher temperatures, driven by fossil fuel use, have created an environment ripe for destructive fires.