Seoul: The legal representatives of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday demanded the Constitutional Court exclude one of its eight justices in trials over Yoon's failed martial law bid last month. Yoon's lawyers argue that Constitutional Court Justice Jeong Gye-seon may hinder the court's ability to deliver an impartial ruling due to her progressive inclinations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the court holds the discretion to reject the request if it is perceived as an attempt to delay the proceedings. Last month, the opposition-controlled National Assembly approved the appointment of three Constitutional Court judges. Jeong Gye-seon and Ma Eun-hyuk were nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party, while Cho Han-chang was recommended by the ruling People Power Party. Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok sanctioned the appointments of Jeong and Cho.

Yoon's legal team has also raised an objection against the court's decision to schedule Yoon's first pleading date on January 14. They contend that the trials for the impeached acting President Han Duck-soo should be prioritized. Han Duck-soo, the former acting President and Prime Minister, was impeached after he refused to appoint the justices to the Constitutional Court.

The controversy stems from Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3, which cited the removal of anti-state forces. This measure lasted only six hours before lawmakers voted to lift it at the National Assembly. Subsequently, the Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14, accusing him of insurrection.