MBCpopular variety showHangout with Yoo’ was abruptly discontinued on January 18 to make way for a current affairs special on the president Yoon Suk Yeolof the arrest warrant hearing.
During the episode, the cast members were seen working on their “Winter Song” project.
However, around 6:56 p.m., MBC broadcast an on-screen caption announcing the conclusion of the hearing on President Yoon’s arrest warrant with the message: “President Yoon’s legal advisor confirms that the hearing concluded at 6:50 p.m..”
Four minutes later, at 7 p.m., the broadcast was abruptly interrupted, replaced by the emergency news bulletin. MBC quickly revised its programming schedule to broadcast the rest of ‘Hangout with Yoo’ after the conclusion of the special.
Earlier in the afternoon, at 2 p.m., President Yoon appeared at the Seoul Western District Court for the first-ever hearing on an arrest warrant against a sitting South Korean president. Presided over by the judge Cha Eun Kyung, the hearing included a 20-minute recess and ended around 6:50 p.m.
President Yoon reportedly made a 40-minute statement and concluded with a 5-minute final speech. The decision on the arrest warrant is based on allegations of incitement to rebellion following the declaration of “Martial law of December 3.”
If the mandate is approved, Yoon will become the first incumbent president in South Korean history to be arrested. Conversely, in the event of refusal, he will be released from the Seoul detention center and return to the presidential residence.
This unprecedented event attracted national attention, with the court’s decision poised to have a significant impact on the national political landscape.
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