Yoon Suk-yeol Faces Pivotal Week: 'Insurrection Ringleader' Sentencing Tomorrow, 'Obstruction of Arrest' Verdict on the 16th

Pyongyang Drone Allegations Trial Begins on January 12
Preliminary Hearings Ahead for Perjury and Lee Jongseop's 'Australia Escape' Case
First Legal Judgment on Yoon Since Martial Law Scheduled for January 16
Could Serve as a Benchmark for Future Trials

This week marks the beginning of a 'super week' in court that will determine the fate of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. On January 13, the final hearing for the main insurrection case, specifically the 'insurrection ringleader' charge, will be held. On January 16, the verdict for the first trial regarding obstruction of execution of an arrest warrant is scheduled. In addition, out of a total of eight criminal cases, five hearings are set to take place. Starting with the court's first judgment since the December 3 Martial Law, major cases involving the 'three special prosecutors' will proceed simultaneously.

The most critical turning point will be the final hearing for the insurrection ringleader charge on January 13. On this day, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyon) is set to conclude arguments in the case involving former President Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun, former National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Jiho, and other senior military and police officials charged with being ringleaders of insurrection and performing key roles in the insurrection.

The final hearing was originally planned to conclude in a single session on January 9. However, the defendants' document evidence review was prolonged to the extent of a 'courtroom filibuster.' The hearing was extended by nearly 15 hours, prompting the court to schedule an additional date.

During the January 13 hearing, following the review of evidence by former President Yoon's side, the special prosecutor's team on insurrection (led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok) will deliver its closing arguments and sentencing recommendation, the defense will present its final argument, and former President Yoon will make his final statement. Attention is focused on whether the special prosecutor will seek the death penalty or life imprisonment.

On the same day, a preliminary hearing will also be held for former President Yoon's perjury case. He is accused of giving false testimony regarding the Martial Law Cabinet meeting while appearing as a witness in the trial of former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is charged with aiding and abetting the insurrection ringleader. Defendants are generally not required to attend preliminary hearings.

On January 14, the first preliminary hearing is scheduled for the 'Australia escape' case involving former Defense Minister Lee Jongseop, prosecuted by the Chae Sangbyung special prosecutor's team (Special Prosecutor Lee Myeonghyeon). Former President Yoon is on trial for allegedly issuing improper orders in the process of appointing Lee, a key suspect in the alleged interference with the investigation into the death of Private Chae, as ambassador to Australia and facilitating his departure from the country.

On January 16, the first legal judgment on former President Yoon since the Martial Law will be delivered. The 35th Criminal Division of the same court (Presiding Judge Baek Daehyun) will announce the verdict in the first trial for charges including obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority. At the previous hearing, the special prosecutor's team argued, "It is necessary to impose strict accountability to restore constitutional order and the rule of law, and to prevent the recurrence of abuse of power by the highest authority," and sought a total prison sentence of 10 years. Former President Yoon's side has completely denied the charges, arguing that "the declaration of Martial Law was due to the legislative dictatorship of the main opposition party."

Legal experts believe that while the January 16 verdict may not have direct binding force on the main insurrection case, it could serve as a first benchmark for how the court will address overlapping facts in subsequent trials. The charges in the cases related to former President Yoon are different, but there are many intersecting issues regarding the circumstances before and after the declaration of Martial Law, as well as the command and reporting lines. Ultimately, this week's court schedule is expected to be a turning point that sets the tone for the series of trials surrounding former President Yoon.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the 36th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jungyeop) held the first hearing for the case against former President Yoon, former Minister Kim, and former Defense Security Command Chief Yeo Inhyeong on charges of general espionage and abuse of authority. This is the so-called 'Pyongyang drone allegations' case, in which the special prosecutor's team alleges that in October 2024, former President Yoon and others deployed drones to Pyongyang to heighten tensions with North Korea and used this as a pretext for Martial Law.