South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Faces Trial for Insurrection Charges

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court on Thursday for the initial hearing of his trial on charges of insurrection, marking the first criminal prosecution of a sitting president in the country’s history. Last month, prosecutors charged Yoon for allegedly leading an insurrection by briefly declaring martial law on December 3.
Yoon was transported from the Seoul Detention Center to the court in a justice ministry motorcade, with police buses stationed outside the courthouse to maintain security. Prosecutors pushed for a swift trial due to the seriousness of the case, but Yoon’s defense team requested more time to review the evidence.
One of Yoon’s lawyers argued that he had no intention to disrupt the country, claiming the martial law declaration was meant to alert the public to the “legislative dictatorship” of the powerful opposition party. If convicted, Yoon could face a lengthy prison sentence for his decree, which alarmed the nation and sought to restrict political and parliamentary activities as well as control the media.
The declaration led to political chaos in South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally, with the prime minister also impeached and suspended, and high-ranking military officials indicted for their roles in the situation.
Yoon’s lawyers also requested the cancellation of his detention, arguing the investigation had been unlawful and that there was no threat of Yoon tampering with evidence. The court has not yet decided on the detention request but scheduled the next hearing for March 24.
In addition to his criminal trial, Yoon participated in a separate impeachment trial before the Constitutional Court in the afternoon, which is now in its final stages. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has also been impeached, testified at the court. Han expressed his deep concern about the divisiveness caused by the extreme political climate surrounding the martial law period.
The Constitutional Court is reviewing the impeachment decision made by parliament on December 14 and will determine whether Yoon should be permanently removed from office or reinstated. Yoon and his legal team argue that his martial law decree was not meant to be fully implemented but was intended only as a warning to break the political deadlock. If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.