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

IANS April 14, 2025 150 views

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to defend himself against serious insurrection charges related to a controversial martial law attempt in December. The trial centers on Yoon's brief deployment of troops to the National Assembly, which prosecutors argue was an attempt to unconstitutionally block legislative proceedings. Yoon maintains his actions were legal and did not constitute an insurrection, arguing the incident was brief and non-violent. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or potentially even the death penalty under South Korean law.

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

Key Points

1

Yoon faces life imprisonment for alleged martial law constitutional violation

2

Prosecution claims intent to start riot and subvert government

3

First criminal hearing reveals complex legal battle

4

Two military witnesses expected to testify

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 underway shortly before 10 a.m., 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 p.m. December 3 and 2 to 3 a.m.," 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 non-violent manner upon accepting the National Assembly's demand to lift it," he added.

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, Yonhap news agency reported.

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.

Two military officers will be questioned as witnesses during Monday's hearing.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This case is so complex - on one hand, the martial law declaration was brief, but on the other, deploying troops to the National Assembly seems extreme. I'm curious to hear what the military witnesses will say today.
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Soo-Min L.
As a Korean citizen, this whole situation makes me so sad 😔 We need to respect the legal process, but it's painful to see our former president in this position. Hoping for truth and justice to prevail.
M
Michael T.
The prosecution's argument about "subverting the Constitution" seems pretty serious. If they have evidence of premeditation, that could change everything. This trial will be one to watch closely.
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Aisha P.
While I don't support Yoon's actions, I think the media coverage has been too sensational. The court should decide based on facts, not public opinion. Let's not forget he's innocent until proven guilty.
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Hae-Won J.
Interesting that he entered through underground parking. Smart move to avoid chaos, but also shows how much his public image has changed since presidency. What a fall from grace...
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David R.
The fact that the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment speaks volumes. That's not something that happens every day in politics. This case might set important precedents.

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