Yoon Appears in Court After 16 Absences
Likely to Directly Refute Testimony by Kwak Jonggeun
Former President Yoon Sukyeol appeared in court for the insurrection ringleader trial, approximately four months after being re-detained in July.
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" at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on September 26, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) began the trial on charges of insurrection ringleader and abuse of authority to interfere with the exercise of rights against former President Yoon at 10:15 a.m. on October 30.
On this day, Yoon, wearing a navy suit and a white shirt, appeared in court holding a document envelope in one hand, marking his first appearance in four months. He had attended all previous hearings up to the ninth, but since his detention on July 10, he had been absent from court citing health reasons.
The court addressed Yoon, stating, "The defendant is present today, so I will emphasize once again: any disadvantages resulting from previous absences are the defendant's responsibility, and the same will apply to any future absences."
Yoon's defense attorney commented on the live broadcast of the trial, explaining the purpose of their request for a constitutional review by saying, "The trial broadcast serves no purpose beyond providing sensational gossip." On October 28, the defense team submitted a request to the court to have the Constitutional Court review the constitutionality of the provision in the Special Prosecutor Act on Insurrection that mandates live broadcasting of the trial.
On this day, former Army Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jonggeun appeared as a witness. Kwak previously testified at the Constitutional Court during Yoon's impeachment trial after the emergency martial law, stating that Yoon had issued instructions during the emergency martial law to "remove the members of the National Assembly."
Yoon has refuted this, stating, "If they are members, I call them members; I have never used the term 'personnel'." As Yoon appeared in person for the trial, there is a possibility that he will be given the opportunity to cross-examine former Commander Kwak.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
