Second Trial for Former President Yoon on Rebellion Charges
Yoon's Legal Team Challenges Credibility of Commander Cho Sunghyun
At the second trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol on charges of leading a rebellion, a heated exchange took place between Cho Sunghyun, commander of the 1st Security Battalion of the Capital Defense Command, who appeared as a witness, and the legal team representing Yoon. As Cho continued to give testimony unfavorable to the former president, Yoon's defense interrupted his statements, claiming that Cho was "changing his story."
Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the second formal trial on charges of leading a rebellion at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong on the 21st. April 21, 2025 Photo by Joint Press Corps
On April 21, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) held the second trial on the rebellion charges against former President Yoon, starting at 10 a.m. During this session, Yoon's legal team cross-examined Commander Cho, who had been called as a witness by the prosecution.
When Yoon's lawyers asked, "Isn't it possible that the order to remove members of the National Assembly could have been given impulsively?" Cho responded, "There can be no such thing as an order to remove lawmakers in a military operation. Why would such an order be given? You know the answer well."
When Yoon's team pressed further, asking, "Even if such an order was given, you have served in the military for 25 years?did you think this was possible?" Cho replied, "I don't understand why an impossible order would be given."
At the first trial held on April 14, Cho had also answered "Yes" when the prosecutor asked if he had received instructions to enter the main building and remove lawmakers to the outside.
In response, Yoon's defense attacked the credibility of Cho's testimony. Yoon's lawyers argued, "Commander Cho's statements have changed between the prosecution's investigation, the Constitutional Court hearing, and now. What is the truth? Please state your words precisely, as perjury can be punished." Cho countered, "Everything I have said is true," and added, "The defense is making assumptions or using words that could be interpreted differently depending on the context."
When Yoon's team pressed further, saying, "Isn't it natural for memories to fade over time?" Cho responded, "Certain memories can become more prominent." As Yoon's lawyers repeatedly interrupted Cho's answers during cross-examination, the court intervened to mediate. The judge said, "I understand this is a cross-examination technique, but please let the witness finish speaking first."
The trial is scheduled to resume at 2:15 p.m., when the cross-examination of Commander Cho by Yoon's legal team will continue, followed by the examination of Kim Hyungki, commander of the 1st Special Forces Battalion. Commander Kim has previously stated that he received the same order from Lee Sanghyun, commander of the 1st Airborne Brigade of the Special Warfare Command.
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