Special Prosecutor on Rebellion Faces Yoon for the First Time, Requests Swift Trial... Yoon's Side Protests "Special Prosecution Act Is Unconstitutional"

Special Prosecutor Cho Officially Takes Over Yoon Sukyeol's Rebellion Case
Yoon's Legal Team Argues Special Prosecution Act Is Unconstitutional
Request for Swift Trial Amid Concerns Over Delays and Detention
Yoon Remains Silent in Court, Plans to Challenge Law at Constitutional Court

The special investigation team on rebellion, led by Cho Eunseok, appeared in person for the first time to maintain the indictment at the trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol on rebellion charges, stating, "We request that the trial proceed swiftly." Former President Yoon's legal team objected, arguing, "The Special Prosecution Act on Rebellion is unconstitutional."

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the 8th trial session for charges of leading a rebellion and abuse of authority obstructing the exercise of rights at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on June 23, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Special Prosecutor Cho began maintaining the indictment starting from the 8th trial session for charges including leading a rebellion against former President Yoon, held that morning before the 25th Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) of the Seoul Central District Court. In accordance with the Special Prosecution Act, the special prosecutor officially took over the ongoing rebellion case against former President Yoon from the prosecution on June 19, 2025, and has now begun to maintain the indictment in earnest.

Park Eoksu, assistant special prosecutor, who appeared in court in person that day, stated, "According to the Special Prosecution Act on Rebellion, the special prosecutor will be responsible for maintaining the indictment going forward," and added, "Based on the evidence secured so far and the special prosecutor's investigation, we will thoroughly uncover the substantive truth of this case, which has drawn significant public attention."

He continued, "Although the court may have its own difficulties, it has now been five months since the indictment was filed, and there are growing concerns about delays in law enforcement, such as the imminent release of detained defendants," and requested, "In light of these circumstances, we ask that the trial proceed even more swiftly than it has so far."

In response, former President Yoon's legal team immediately protested. They argued, "There are not just one or two unconstitutional provisions in the Special Prosecution Act for this case," and claimed, "It is unprecedented in history for a specific political group to recommend a special prosecutor, for a president from the same party to appoint that special prosecutor, and for prosecutorial powers to be exercised repeatedly."

They further stated, "It is highly unusual and unprecedented for a new prosecutorial authority to enter the courtroom by changing the party responsible for maintaining the indictment under the Special Prosecution Act," and added, "Neither the president nor the speaker of the National Assembly can transfer a military trial to a regular court, but the special prosecutor is able to do so. This grants excessive discretionary power." Former President Yoon's legal team also announced plans to raise legal issues regarding this matter with the Constitutional Court.

Meanwhile, former President Yoon, who appeared in court that day, remained silent when asked by reporters about his position on the first trial since the special prosecutor took over the case, whether he intends to comply with the special prosecutor's summons despite refusing to appear before the police, and whether he has any comments on the foreign exchange charges. After taking his seat as the defendant, he kept his eyes closed and did not look toward the prosecutors' bench.