Impeached President Yoon Faces First Court Hearing

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attended his first criminal trial hearing on Thursday, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to face trial on criminal charges. 

Yoon is charged with insurrection for his failed martial law attempt. This charge overrides his presidential immunity, and if convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. His impeachment trial is also nearing its final stage.

Yoon’s legal team stated they had not yet reviewed all case records and would present their defense at a later date. They also did not confirm whether they would seek to merge Yoon’s case with others indicted in the martial law attempt, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Prosecutors opposed merging the cases, arguing that separate trials would be more efficient.

Following the hearing, the court began reviewing Yoon’s request for release from detention. He has been held since mid-January after being arrested for allegedly inciting insurrection.

His lawyers argued his detention was unlawful. They also defended the martial law declaration as legitimate and insisted Yoon was not a flight risk. Prosecutors countered that the indictment was within the legal timeframe and that releasing Yoon could lead to evidence tampering.

The preliminary hearing, held at Seoul Central District Court, lasted just 13 minutes. While defendants are not required to attend, Yoon chose to appear, dressed in a dark blue suit and red tie. The court scheduled the next hearing for March 24.

The court asked both sides to submit further arguments within 10 days. Meanwhile, around 500 of his supporters gathered near the court, calling for his release. Police deployed 3,200 officers, set up barriers, and lined up police buses to maintain order.