South Korea: Ex-President Yoon denies insurrection charges at first criminal trial

IANS April 14, 2025 146 views

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to defend himself against serious insurrection charges related to a brief martial law declaration in December. The trial stems from his alleged attempt to deploy troops to the National Assembly and potentially obstruct legislative proceedings. Yoon maintains his actions were not an insurrection and were quickly reversed without violence. The case could result in a life imprisonment sentence if he is found guilty of attempting to subvert the constitution.

"It goes against legal principles to build an insurrection case" - Yoon Suk Yeol
Seoul, April 14: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol defended himself during his first criminal trial on insurrection charges Monday, saying his attempt to impose martial law in December did not amount to an insurrection.

Key Points

1

Yoon faces potential life imprisonment for alleged constitutional subversion

2

Military witnesses confirm receiving orders to enter National Assembly

3

Constitutional Court previously upheld his impeachment

4

Prosecution claims intent to "start a riot"

Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in a black security vehicle and entered via the underground parking to avoid public exposure.

The first hearing got under way shortly before 10 am, with Yoon seated in the defendant's seat in a navy suit. Photography and filming by the press were not allowed under a court order.

Yoon, a former top prosecutor, faces charges of leading an insurrection through his brief imposition of martial law on December 3 that saw the deployment of troops to the National Assembly in an alleged attempt to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree.

He was impeached by the National Assembly days later and removed from office on April 4 after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment.

"The indictment simply lists the details of the investigation into what happened during the several hours between 10:30 pm December 3 and 2 to 3 am," Yoon said after the prosecution presented a summary of its charges.

"It goes against legal principles to build an insurrection case based on an indictment that looks like a printout of an incident that lasted only a few hours and was lifted immediately in a nonviolent manner upon accepting the National Assembly's demand to lift it," he added, Yonhap news agency reported.

The prosecution maintained, however, citing the former President's views of state affairs and his preparations in the run-up to the martial law declaration, that he intended to "start a riot" with the aim of "subverting the Constitution."

Insurrection is a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or death.

Since his ouster, Yoon has moved out of the official presidential residence in Seoul's Hannam-dong and returned to his private residence located a 10-minute walk from the court.

Attending the hearing as witnesses, two military officers involved in the martial law operations affirmed that they received orders from their superiors to enter the National Assembly to "drag out" lawmakers during the short-lived martial law period.

The court scheduled the second hearing for next Monday, adding it would hold around three hearings every two weeks.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This trial is absolutely necessary for democracy. No leader should be above the law, especially when it comes to undermining constitutional processes. The military involvement is particularly disturbing. 🇰🇷
S
Soo-Min L.
As a Korean citizen, I'm conflicted. While I don't support martial law, I wonder if this is being blown out of proportion? The decree was lifted so quickly... 🤔
A
Alex P.
Respectful criticism here: The article could provide more context about what led to the martial law declaration. Understanding the political climate at that time would help readers judge the situation better.
M
Min-Jee K.
The fact that military officers confirmed they were ordered to "drag out" lawmakers is chilling. This wasn't just about maintaining order - it was an active attempt to interfere with democratic processes.
T
Thomas R.
Interesting legal arguments from both sides. As a law student, I'll be following this case closely - it could set important precedents about executive power limits in democratic systems.
H
Hae-Won J.
Regardless of the outcome, this shows South Korea's institutions are strong enough to hold even the highest officials accountable. That's something to be proud of!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol Martial Law Political Trial Impeachment Seoul Court
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