Sangcheol’s Legal Journal : YouLaw Insights

  🗓️ Trial Overview Date & Time : August 28, 2025 (Thursday), 10:15 AM Venue : Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 Presiding Judge : Chief Judge Ji Kwi-yeon Defendant : Former President Yoon Suk-yeol — absent for the sixth consecutive session . The court declared proceedings in absentia. Witnesses : Lt. Col. Park Jin-woo (Commander, 35th Special Mission Battalion, Capital Defense Command) Maj. Kim Ui-gyu (Regional Commander, 35th Special Mission Battalion) 🔍 Key Issues and Proceedings Defendant’s Absence The detention facility informed the court that forced attendance (“inch’i”) was “not feasible and considerably difficult.” The court proceeded under Article 277-2 of the Criminal Procedure Act , allowing trial in the defendant’s absence. Witness Examination Both witnesses served in the elite counter-terrorism unit dispatched to the National Assembly during the unlawful martial law of December 3. Examination focused ...

  🗓️ Hearing Overview Date & Time: Monday, August 18, 2025, 10:15 (KST) Venue: Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 ( Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon ) Defendant: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol (absent for the 5th consecutive time; proceedings held in absentia) Witness: Sgt. Lee Min-su , Republic of Korea Army ( Capital Defense Command ) — driver/NCO assigned to then-Commander Lee Jin-woo (command vehicle operator) 1) Key Issues & Proceedings A. In-Absentia Proceeding The court proceeded without the defendant under Criminal Procedure Act Art. 277-2 , noting that any disadvantage from non-appearance is borne by the defendant. Defense stated Yoon will appear when his health allows . 2) Witness Examination A. Witness: Sgt. Lee Min-su Affiliation: ROKA Capital Defense Command (SUBANGSA) Role at the time: Driver and executive NCO for Commander Lee Jin-woo (operated the commander’s official vehicle) Vehicle/Task: Kia Carnival co...

🗓️ Hearing Overview Date: August 11, 2025 Court: Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) Defendant: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol (absent; 4th straight no-show) Witnesses: Col. Kim Young-kwon (Defense Counterintelligence, 550th Unit), Brig. Gen. Koo Sam-hoe (former Commander, 2nd Armored Brigade) 1. Key Issues and Proceedings A. Defendant’s absence → in-absentia trial Bench: Proceed under the Criminal Procedure Act without the defendant present; any disadvantage arising from in-absentia proceedings is borne by the defendant . Legal basis: Criminal Procedure Act, Art. 277-2 (Defendant’s Refusal to Appear & Trial): (1) If a detained defendant refuses to appear without just cause and escort by correctional officers is impossible or markedly impracticable , the court may proceed without the defendant present . (2) When proceeding under (1), the court must hear the views of the prosecutor and defense counsel wh...