Tensions Rise Between Special Prosecutor and Defense at Yoon's Final Hearing... Judge Ji Guiyeon Says "Professionals Don't Whine"

Dispute Over Evidence Review Procedures Between Both Sides
Ji Guiyeon Criticizes With "Amateur" and "Whining" Remarks
Special Prosecutor Expected to Recommend Yoon's Sentence Late at Night

The final hearing is currently underway for former President Yoon Sukyeol, who has been indicted as the ringleader of an insurrection related to the 12·3 Martial Law, as well as for eight others involved in the case, including former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun, who faces charges of participating in key insurrection-related duties. As the cross-examination of the defendants continues to be prolonged, there are expectations that the special prosecutor's sentencing recommendation may be delivered late into the night.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol. Photo by Yonhap News

The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guiyeon) began the final hearing at 9:20 a.m. on January 9 in Courtroom 417, addressing the charges against former President Yoon for leading an insurrection and against seven senior military and police officials, including former Minister Kim, for participating in key insurrection-related duties.

All eight principal defendants appeared in court, including former President Yoon, former Minister Kim, former Army Intelligence Commander Noh Sangwon, former National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Jiho, and former Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Kim Bongsik. The special prosecutor's team, led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok and including Deputy Special Prosecutor Park Eoksu, was also present with a total of eight members.

During the morning session, the special prosecutor's team and former Minister Kim's defense team conducted cross-examinations of documentary evidence. During this process, disputes arose between Kim's defense and the special prosecutor regarding the procedures for reviewing evidence. When Kim's defense stated, "We have a limited number of copies, so we will provide them to the court first," the special prosecutor responded, "We need to review the documents, so it would be better to proceed with the prepared defendants first," requesting a change in the order of statements. Kim's defense countered by saying, "We will proceed with oral arguments," to which the special prosecutor retorted, "What preparations have you made?"

Judge Ji Guiyeon. Yonhap News Agency

At this point, Presiding Judge Ji Guiyeon remarked, "The difference between professionals and amateurs is that professionals do not whine," prompting Kim's defense to raise their voices, asking, "Are you saying we are whining?" The court pointed out, "If you are not prepared, you should ask for understanding, and if understanding cannot be granted, then the prepared defendants should proceed first." In the meantime, the copies were prepared, and the situation was temporarily resolved.

The court ended the morning session at around 12:30 p.m. and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. After the remaining documentary evidence is reviewed, the special prosecutor's team will present their final opinion and sentencing recommendation, followed by the defendants' final statements. It is expected that these procedures, including the sentencing recommendation, the defense's closing arguments, and the defendants' final statements, will take a considerable amount of time. Previously, former President Yoon's defense team announced their intention to deliver a closing argument lasting six to eight hours. The other defendants, including former Commissioner Cho, stated that they have prepared closing arguments of approximately one hour each.

The previous day, Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok reportedly convened key senior officials, including the deputy special prosecutor and division chiefs, for a six-hour meeting to discuss the sentencing recommendations.