Sangcheol’s Legal Journal : YouLaw Insights

  The 10th criminal trial hearing for former President Yoon Suk-yeol was held on July 10, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court. Marking the first hearing following his second arrest, Yoon did not appear in court, citing health reasons. Nevertheless, the court proceeded with witness examinations as scheduled, focusing on the military's controversial involvement with the National Election Commission (NEC) during the December 3 martial law crisis. 🔍 Key Developments at a Glance 1. Yoon’s Absence and Legal Tensions Yoon submitted a statement of non-attendance on the morning of the hearing, just hours after being detained at 2:07 AM. His legal team claimed the summons was not properly served and cited insufficient time for preparation. The court rejected these arguments and proceeded. The Special Counsel demanded measures to prevent repeated absences, including the issuance of a bench warrant if necessary. 2. Testimony – Col. Koh Dong-hee (former Chief of Plans, Defense Int...

  🗓️ Hearing Overview Date : June 16, 2025  Location : Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) Defendant : Yoon Suk-yeol, Former President of South Korea Key Witness : Kim Cheol-jin, Former Military Aide to Defense Minister 🔎 Key Developments 1. Shift in Yoon's Courtroom Demeanor Former President Yoon, who had largely remained silent in prior hearings, broke his silence during the 7th hearing. He directly addressed the bench, stating his intention to speak after future witness examinations. He criticized the prosecution’s resistance to changes in the witness plan, saying: “Is it because they lack confidence in their case?” Yoon also explained his conduct after the National Assembly passed a resolution to lift martial law, claiming that he: Respected the Assembly's intent despite procedural defects, Ordered his aides to review the National Assembly Act, Drafted a presidential statement for the martial la...

1. Trial Overview Date : June 9, 2025, 10:15 AM Court : Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gui-yeon) Defendant : Yoon Seok-yeol (Former President of South Korea) Witness : Lee Sang-hyeon (Brigadier General, Former Commander of the 1st Airborne Brigade, ROK Army Special Warfare Command) 2. Key Proceedings A. Cross-examination of Witness Lee Sang-hyeon “Drag lawmakers out” – Order came from the President Lee reaffirmed that then-Special Forces Commander Gwak Jong-geun conveyed direct orders allegedly from President Yoon: “The President said to break the doors and drag lawmakers out.” Lee testified he relayed this command verbatim to his subordinate battalion commander, explicitly stating it was a “presidential order.” An audio recording of this instruction was played in court, further supporting Lee’s claim. Lee emphasized: “Had I only heard ‘higher command,’ I wouldn’t have described it as the President’s order.” B. De...