Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is fighting back! He’s denying charges of insurrection in a high-profile criminal trial that has the nation on edge. Accused of trying to subvert the constitutional order, Yoon is claiming his actions were not an attempt to overthrow the government. Let’s break down what’s happening.
- The Accusation: Yoon is accused of planning an uprising and deploying troops to parliament to disrupt civilian rule.
- Yoon’s Defense: He claims his actions were misinterpreted and don’t legally qualify as insurrection.
- The Stakes: If found guilty, Yoon could face life in prison or even the death penalty.
- What’s Next: A lengthy trial is expected, with the first verdict potentially arriving around August.
Yoon Suk Yeol Pleads Innocence: ‘It Wasn’t Insurrection!’
Ousted South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Monday, April 14, 2025, to face criminal charges related to his declaration of martial law. He was impeached and removed from power after being accused of trying to undermine civilian rule. The drama unfolded after he sent armed soldiers to parliament on December 3. This led to his arrest in January, making him the first South Korean president to be arrested while in office. He was later released.
During the trial at Seoul Central District Court, Yoon stated his name, date of birth, and other personal details. Then he declared his innocence. “To frame an event that lasted only a few hours, (that) was non-violent, and (to have) immediately accepted the dissolution request from the National Assembly as insurrection… strikes me as legally unfounded,” Yoon told the court, clearly fighting back against the accusations.
The Prosecution’s Case: A Calculated Attempt to Seize Power?
The prosecution paints a different picture. They argue that Yoon “planned to incite an uprising with the intent to subvert the constitutional order.” They presented evidence suggesting Yoon planned the martial law in advance and deployed the military to parliament with orders to break windows and cut the power. It sounds like a movie plot, right?
Did you know? South Korea’s history is filled with political turmoil, including military coups and impeachments. This trial is just the latest chapter in the country’s complex political story.
Witnesses Take the Stand: What Did They See?
The court also heard from two military officers called by the prosecution. One officer testified that top commanders instructed him “to drag out the lawmakers gathered in the National Assembly to lift the martial law.” Imagine the scene: lawmakers defying armed soldiers, climbing over fences to vote down Yoon’s martial law declaration! They forced him to backtrack within hours.
A Long Road Ahead: What to Expect From the Trial
The next hearing is scheduled for April 21. Experts predict a long and complicated trial. “The first verdict is likely to be delivered around August, but the case involves around 70,000 pages of evidence and numerous witnesses. So if deemed necessary by the court, the trial may be extended,” said lawyer Min Kyoung-sic.
Flashback! Former president Park Geun-hye was impeached in December 2016, but it wasn’t until January 2021 that the Supreme Court finalized her sentence for influence peddling and corruption. Justice grinds slowly!
Insurrection: A Serious Charge with a Harsh Penalty
If found guilty, Yoon could become the third South Korean president convicted of insurrection. Two military leaders were previously found guilty in connection to a 1979 coup. “Legal experts say that the precedent coup could be applied in the current case, as it also involved the coercive deployment of military forces,” said Min.
The stakes are high. For charges of insurrection, Yoon could be sentenced to life in prison or even death. But South Korea hasn’t carried out an execution since 1997.
About The Author
