Former South Korean President Yoon to stand trial. He could face life in prison
Yoon Seok Yeol (Photo: ERA/JEON HEON-KYUN)
Former President of South Korea, Yun Seok-yeol, is set to go on trial just ten days following his ousting from office, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
The trial is scheduled for Monday, April 14.
Yun faces allegations of attempting to declare martial law in December 2024. He will appear as a defendant in Room 417 at the Seoul Central District Court, which has previously hosted trials of several former presidents.
As journalists have noted, to prevent any potential clashes or protests, Yun will be permitted to enter the court through a subterranean entrance, and enhanced security measures will be implemented around the premises.
The proceedings will commence with verifying Yun’s identity, after which the prosecution will present the charges, which the former president’s defense team is anticipated to vehemently contest. Additionally, Yun will have the chance to request permission from the judge to make a statement.
Should he be found guilty of attempting to impose martial law, Yun could be facing life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
- On December 3, 2024, the South Korean President declared martial law, citing an alleged coup d’état threat, but within hours, parliament unanimously voted to revoke it.
- The following day, a motion to impeach the president was introduced in parliament, but it was only announced on December 14, after a second attempt.
- On December 31, the court issued a warrant for Yun’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on January 15, 2025.
- Prosecutors charged Yun with attempting a coup on January 26, however, on March 7, a court in South Korea rescinded the arrest warrant for President Yun Seok-yeol, and he was released from detention on March 8.
