South Korean ex-Prez Yoon to face criminal trial on insurrection charges Monday

IANS April 13, 2025 194 views

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to face a critical criminal trial on insurrection charges this Monday. The landmark hearing follows his removal from office after a controversial martial law declaration in December. Military witnesses are expected to provide testimony about troop movements during the disputed period. This trial represents a significant moment in South Korean political history, with Yoon potentially facing severe legal consequences including life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

"He will be the fifth former president to stand criminal trial" - Yonhap News Agency
Seoul, April 13: The first criminal trial for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled for this week, 10 days after he was removed from office over his short-lived martial law declaration in December, according to court officials Sunday.

Key Points

1

First criminal trial begins for Yoon after martial law declaration

2

Potential life sentence or death penalty possible

3

Military commanders to testify against former president

4

Court implements strict security measures

The Seoul Central District Court is set to open the hearing on Yoon's insurrection charges at 10 a.m. Monday. As the defendant, Yoon must attend the trial, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon will be the fifth former president to stand criminal trial.

He will be allowed to enter the court via an underground parking lot, with the court having set up security-related measures against potential rallies near the court building.

Media will not be allowed to take photographs inside the courtroom before the start of the proceedings.

As part of the formal process, Yoon must state his name, birthday, occupation and place of residence at the start. The prosecution will then lay out charges against Yoon, who is expected to deny them. The former president may also ask the judge for an opportunity to state his case.

If convicted on charges of leading an insurrection, Yoon could face a life sentence or the death penalty.

Cho Sung-hyun, commander of the First Security Group of the Capital Defence Command, and Kim Hyung-ki, head of the First Special Forces Battalion of the Special Warfare Command, will take the witness stand Monday.

During Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, Cho had testified that he was ordered by then Capital Defence Commander Lee Jin-woo to send troops to "drag out" lawmakers from the National Assembly after Yoon had declared martial law December 3.

Kim is believed to have received a similar order from his superior the same night.

Reader Comments

J
James L.
This is such a historic moment for South Korea's democracy. No one should be above the law, not even former presidents. Hope justice is served fairly. 🇰🇷
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Sarah K.
The death penalty seems extreme for these charges? I understand the seriousness but we should consider that he was the elected leader making what he thought were necessary decisions at the time.
M
Minho P.
As a Korean citizen, I'm both proud and nervous about this trial. Proud that our institutions are strong enough to hold leaders accountable, but nervous about the political divisions it might deepen.
T
Tina R.
The military testimony will be crucial here. If troops were really ordered to remove lawmakers by force, that's absolutely unacceptable in any democracy. 😳
A
Alex J.
While I support accountability, I hope the media coverage remains factual. The article mentions no photos allowed - probably a good call to prevent sensationalism.
H
Haeun K.
Fifth former president to stand trial... makes you wonder about the political culture that keeps producing leaders who end up in court. Maybe we need deeper reforms beyond just punishing individuals.

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