SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court at 10:00 a.m. Monday, for the second hearing in his trial on charges of leading an insurrection, marking the first time the public has seen him seated in the defendant’s chair.
Photographs and video footage of Yoon in court were released following the hearing, after the Seoul Central District Court approved limited media coverage. The court cited “the high level of national interest” in the case, despite Yoon’s opposition to the filming. Media were allowed to record from designated areas prior to the start of proceedings, though live broadcasting remains prohibited.
The case centers on the so-called “December 3 Martial Law” incident, in which Yoon declared a military-backed emergency decree. On Dec. 3, 2024, he cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” as justification for the order.
The decree was enforced with the deployment of 1,580 troops, 107 military vehicles, 12 Black Hawk helicopters, and more than 9,000 rounds of live ammunition. Despite the show of force, 190 lawmakers entered the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift martial law just hours later.
Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and officially removed from office on Apr. 4, 2025. He now faces trial for insurrection and abuse of power in what has become one of the most significant legal cases in South Korea’s modern history.
As during his first appearance, Yoon avoided the main courthouse entrance. The Seoul High Court authorized him to use the underground parking lot, and he was escorted from his residence in Seocho District, located a short distance from the court.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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