The criminal trial of former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol opened Monday, with the impeached leader in court to defend himself against insurrection charges over his short-lived declaration of martial law.

The constitutional court unanimously voted to uphold Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, paving the way for a snap election within 60 days.

The South Korean Constitutional Court’s decision to formally unseat President Yoon Suk Yeol is another test for the country’s democracy after the conservative-liberal divide deepened over his imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment.