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/ Source: Yonhap

The Constitutional Court has set April 4 as the date for President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial verdict, sparking speculation that the main opposition Democratic Party's pressure may have influenced the decision.

The DP had openly criticized the delay in the impeachment trial and even proposed extending the terms of Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-sun, whose terms end on April 18. Observers suggest that the court, feeling the mounting pressure, expedited the trial date to prevent further political turmoil.

On April 1, the court announced the April 4 verdict date after holding daily deliberations on the impeachment trial. Initially, political circles speculated that the verdict might come after April 18, once the terms of Justices Moon and Lee had ended.

In response to the delay, the DP launched a strong campaign, urging the court to act swiftly. On March 30, during a rally in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, DP floor leader Park Chan-dae publicly named eight Constitutional Court justices, urging them not to "follow the path of traitors."

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) countered, arguing that the DP's actions were aimed at preventing Acting President Han Duck-soo from appointing two new justices if the verdict was delayed. Despite this, the DP continued its criticism and shifted its focus to Acting President Han, rejecting the nomination of Constitutional Court Justice candidate Ma Eun-hyuk. On April 1, Park warned that if Ma Eun-hyuk was not appointed by the end of the day, the DP would take action to protect the Constitution and democracy.

As tensions escalated, the Constitutional Court reportedly decided to move up the verdict date to avoid further chaos. Attorney Kang Shin-up commented that the DP's aggressive tactics, including naming justices and threatening re-impeachment of key officials, led the court to perceive these actions as threats, prompting the expedited decision.