Yoon Seok-yeol’s Insurrection Sentencing Resumes... Prosecution’s Recommendation Expected Late Afternoon

Yoon Smiles and Chats with Attorney After Entering Courtroom
Yoon Seok-yeol Appears in Person Wearing Navy Suit
Sentencing Procedure to Proceed with Documentary Evidence Review, Sentencing Recommendation, and Yoon's Final Statement
Special

The sentencing procedure for former President Yoon Seokyeol, who is charged as the ringleader in the 12·3 Martial Law case, considered the main incident of the 12·3 Martial Law, resumed on the 13th. On this day, attention is focused on whether Cho Eunseok, head of the special prosecution team for rebellion, will seek the death penalty, the maximum sentence.

On the 9th, a supporter held a photo of former President Yoon Seokyeol, who is charged with 'leader of rebellion,' in front of the Seoul Central District Court where the sentencing hearing was held. 2025.01.09 Photo by Yoon Dongju

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) held a sentencing hearing at around 9:30 a.m. for former President Yoon Seokyeol on charges of leading a rebellion, as well as for former Minister Kim and former National Police Chief Cho Jiho and five other senior military and police officials on charges of participating in key rebellion duties.

Former President Yoon entered the courtroom on this day with short hair and wearing a navy suit. After taking his seat at the defendant's bench, he was seen smiling and conversing with his attorney.

The trial is scheduled to proceed in the following order: the examination of documentary evidence by former President Yoon's side, the special prosecutor's final opinion and sentencing recommendation, the defense's closing argument, and the final statements of the eight defendants.

Originally, the court had planned to conclude the sentencing process on the 9th, but due to the defense team's "trial delay tactics," the proceedings extended beyond 12 hours, leading to the scheduling of an additional session.

On this day, former President Yoon's team also announced that they would use six to eight hours for the final argument, including the examination of evidence. Considering the time required for former President Yoon's final statement, the trial is expected to end quite late today as well.

The special prosecutor's team held a six-hour meeting on the 8th to determine the sentencing recommendation for former President Yoon. The team is reportedly leaning toward the death penalty or life imprisonment, seeing no grounds for mitigation. During the meeting, some argued for the death penalty, citing the gravity of the offense, Yoon's consistent evasion of responsibility throughout the trial, and his lack of remorse. However, others suggested that life imprisonment would be more appropriate, taking into account the potential social impact of seeking the death penalty and the likely actual sentence to be imposed.

Former President Yoon was indicted and detained in January last year on charges of inciting a rebellion with the aim of undermining the constitutional order, including declaring martial law on December 3, 2024. He is also accused of attempting to arrest and detain key figures such as President Lee Jaemyung (then leader of the Democratic Party) and former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, as well as blocking the National Assembly to prevent a resolution to lift martial law.