South Korean Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae told reporters on Wednesday that the Supreme Court would review the procedures that were followed when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday evening, saying that the judiciary “will resolutely fulfill its role during difficult times. »

“The judiciary will uphold its role as the ultimate protector of citizens’ rights and freedoms and strive to allay any concerns regarding judicial independence and integrity,” Cho said.

Asked about procedural irregularities in Yoon’s declaration of martial law, such as lack of Cabinet approval or proper notification to senior politicians before the proclamation, Cho said the judiciary “will observe what procedures been followed” in order to address the issue at a later date.

Regarding the question of whether the sudden declaration of martial law could constitute grounds for impeachment, Cho commented: “I will answer it in due time.” After the six-hour declaration of martial law, the opposition Democratic Party said Wednesday its lawmakers would call on Yoon to resign from his post or take steps to impeach him.

“As the role of the judiciary is to safeguard the freedoms and rights of citizens through fair judgment, (the Supreme Court) will do its utmost to ensure that nothing is omitted in the fulfillment of this obligation,” a Cho said.