📰 Summary of the 3rd Trial Session – Former President Yoon Suk-yeol's Case (May 12, 2025)


Hello everyone,

Today’s post brings a critical update on one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in South Korea – the ongoing trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. On May 12, 2025, the 3rd trial session was held at the Seoul Central District Court, attracting public and media attention due to newly revealed military testimonies that could significantly influence the outcome of the case.

Let’s dive into what happened during this key session – including damaging witness statements, the defense’s reaction, and what we can expect in the next round.

⚖️ Trial Overview

  • Date: May 12, 2025 (Monday), 10:15 AM

  • Location: Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 (Judge Ji Gui-yeon), Room 417

  • Key Participants:

    • Defendant: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol

    • Witnesses:

      • Captain Oh Sang-bae (former aide to the Commander of the Capital Defense Command)

      • Brigadier General Park Jeong-hwan (Chief of Staff, Special Warfare Command)

🗣️ Testimony 1 – Captain Oh Sang-bae

One of the most striking moments of this session was the detailed testimony from Captain Oh Sang-bae, who claimed to have overheard four key phone calls made by then-President Yoon during the implementation of emergency martial law.

📌 Call #1

Yoon allegedly said:

“The entrances are all blocked. Tell them to climb the wall with guns if necessary.”

📌 Call #2

Reported order:

“Get inside the main hall and carry out the congressman, four soldiers, one by one.”

📌 Call #3

Oh recalls hearing:

“Break down the doors with gunfire if needed.”

📌 Call #4

Yoon is said to have stated:

“Even if the motion to lift martial law passes, we can declare it again – twice, even three times.”

Captain Oh emphasized that he decided to testify truthfully after feeling betrayed by public denials from Yoon’s side. Especially after reading media coverage that claimed “Yoon never ordered any arrests.”
His testimony could become a turning point in the case.

🪖 Testimony 2 – Brigadier General Park Jeong-hwan

Brigadier General Park’s testimony also brought new clarity to the timeline of martial law enforcement.
He confirmed that within 11 minutes of the December 3rd declaration, a call came through from former Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun, urging for immediate helicopter mobilization.

“The commander was pressuring us. He kept asking whether the helicopters had taken off.”

This raised serious concerns about military coercion and readiness for rapid deployment—suggesting clear coordination at the highest level.

⚖️ Yoon Suk-yeol’s Defense Strategy

The defense team focused on discrediting Oh Sang-bae’s testimony.
Their key claims:

  • The witness could not have physically heard all four calls from his position.

  • The language used in the testimony may be imagined or exaggerated.

  • Yoon never gave such direct orders—especially with no live ammunition available.

At one point, the defense's aggressive cross-examination prompted the judge to intervene, telling them:

“That’s enough. Proceed to the next question.”

This highlighted the court’s concern about intimidation tactics.

🧑‍⚖️ Court's Observations & Adjustments

The court requested further clarification on how Captain Oh came to hear the calls.
Due to time constraints, Brigadier General Park’s session was cut short and will continue on May 19, 2025.

This delay also allows for more in-depth questioning by prosecutors, especially regarding potential abuse of military authority.

🔍 What’s Next?

The next session is scheduled for May 19, 2025, at 10:15 AM.
It will continue the questioning of Brigadier General Park, and move into a new phase:

  • Investigation of abuse of power charges

  • More scrutiny over martial law planning and execution

Captain Oh’s testimony has already laid a foundation for deeper inquiries.
The prosecution is expected to merge the martial law and abuse of power charges, expediting trial progression.

🧾 Conclusion – Why This Matters

This session offered the clearest insight yet into how deep the alleged coordination between the presidency and military officials may have run.
The severity of the orders, if proven, raises serious concerns about potential constitutional violations, military misuse, and efforts to suppress democratic processes.

As this historic case unfolds, we will continue providing clear, unbiased summaries to keep you informed.

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