Yoon Sukyeol Absent Again from Insurrection Trial... Yoon's Side Says "Continued Nausea and Dizziness Since Last Week's Hearing"

Absent for 12 Consecutive Insurrection Trials... Proceedings Continue in Absentia
Yoon’s Side: "Continued Dizziness and Nausea Make Attendance Difficult"
Decision on Yoon’s Bail Request Expected This Week

Former President Yoon Sukyeol was absent for the 11th consecutive time from his trial as the leader of an insurrection on September 29. Yoon's legal team stated, "Since attending last week's trial, he has continued to experience nausea, making it difficult for him to appear in court."

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the first trial on charges of "obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority to interfere with the exercise of rights" held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on September 26, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Criminal Agreement Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) held a continued hearing on this day regarding the charges of leading an insurrection and abuse of authority to interfere with the exercise of rights against former President Yoon.

The court asked Yoon's defense counsel, "Is it correct that the defendant is voluntarily refusing to appear?" and added, "In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, today's proceedings will continue in his absence."

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, if a detained defendant refuses to appear without justifiable reason, and it is impossible or significantly difficult for correctional officers to bring the defendant to the courtroom, the trial may proceed without the defendant's presence. During the trial of former President Park Geunhye for the government corruption scandal, proceedings were also held in absentia with only the defense and special prosecutors present due to her absence.

Former President Yoon had attended all hearings up to the ninth session, but since being detained on July 10, he has cited health reasons for his absence. Consequently, the court previously announced that the trial would proceed in absentia in his case. In such circumstances, the defendant must accept the risk of potential disadvantages in the trial, such as decisions regarding the admissibility of evidence.

However, on September 26, Yoon did attend the first trial on additional charges, including obstruction of special official duties, brought by the special prosecutor’s team led by Cho Eunsuk. He also appeared at the subsequent bail hearing, where he stated, "I have to stand trial four to five times a week, and if the special prosecutor calls me on weekends, I must go. Responding to all this while in detention is impossible," adding, "Since being detained, simply surviving in a 1.8-pyeong (approximately 6 square meters) cell has been extremely difficult."

On this day, after a morning meeting with Yoon, his attorney issued a press statement saying, "Since last Friday's court appearance, former President Yoon has been experiencing dizziness and nausea, making it difficult for him to respond to the trial or other proceedings."

Previously, Yoon requested to be tried without detention, citing the need to guarantee his right to a proper defense and his health issues. The decision on whether former President Yoon will be granted 'conditional release' is expected as early as this week.