Yoon Suk Yeol Faces First Criminal Trial at Seoul Central District Court Over December 3 Martial Law Insurrection

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Updated Apr 14, 2025, 04:29 AM

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Monday for his first criminal trial on charges of leading an insurrection. Yoon, who was removed from office on April 4 following a successful impeachment, faces allegations stemming from his brief declaration of martial law on December 3. The trial commenced at the Seoul Central District Court, where Yoon denied the charges, asserting that the events in question, which lasted only a few hours, do not constitute an insurrection under legal standards. Yoon wore a red tie and delivered a 42-minute speech, during which he mentioned wearing a 'Make Korea Great Again' hat upon leaving the presidential residence. Yoon's arrival at the court was met with a mix of supporters and opponents. About 20 supporters gathered outside the court, waving South Korean and U.S. flags and chanting slogans such as 'Yoon Again,' while some demanded his acquittal. Conversely, a group of opponents held a news conference nearby, calling for Yoon's re-arrest and severe punishment. During the trial, Yoon argued that the prosecution's case, which detailed events from December 3, was not legally sound. He claimed that the martial law was a peaceful message to the public and not an attempt at a coup or long-term rule. Yoon also stated that he had immediately accepted the National Assembly's demand to lift the martial law, further challenging the validity of the charges against him. He mentioned the use of cable ties by special forces and noted that only 15-17 soldiers were involved in the operation. The court session also saw Yoon refusing a jury trial, preferring a bench trial. He identified his current occupation as a former president and provided his new residence address as Seocho-dong, in the Acrovista complex, where he moved after leaving the presidential residence in Hannam-dong on April 11. Witnesses Kim Yong-hyun, Kim Hyung-ki, and Cho Seong-hyun were mentioned in relation to the trial.

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#South Korean #Yoon Suk Yeol #Yoon #Seoul Central District Court #Make Korea Great Again #Yoon Again #National Assembly #Acrovista

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Sources

news.tvchosun.com(15)news1.kr(10)yna.co.kr(9)news.sbs.co.kr(9)

뉴스1

@News1Kr

'42 Minute' Remarks Yoon and Moon Focus on Government's Blame... Private Home After Morning Trial (General) #뉴스1 https://t.co/WWFerquCh0

오마이뉴스

@OhmyNews_Korea

Defendant Yoon Seok-yeol holds the court microphone and speaks for 42 minutes “The fact of prosecution is a comedy” #윤석열 #내란우두머리 Reporter Park So-hee https://t.co/9HbZc0KG4P