Former President Yoon Suk-yeol appeared in Courtroom 417 of the Seoul Central District Court at 9:50 a.m. on the 14th to attend the first trial regarding the charge of 'leader of a rebellion.' On this day, former President Yoon accessed the courtroom directly through the underground parking lot instead of the general entrance to the court. The court allowed this access through the underground parking lot to ensure safety, as gatherings of supporters and opponents were taking place around the court. The court also decided that photography would not be permitted inside the courtroom. This seems to be a measure to maintain order in the courtroom.
Earlier, former President Yoon faced impeachment proceedings in the National Assembly related to the Dec. 3 emergency martial law and was removed from office by the Constitutional Court on the 4th.
On this day, former President Yoon entered the courtroom wearing a navy suit and a red tie. He nodded and smiled at his legal representative, Attorney Yoon Gap-geun, as he took his seat in the defendant’s area. He also exchanged smiles and greetings with other attorneys.
After greeting, former President Yoon gazed straight ahead and glanced back at the audience seats. He then talked with Attorney Yoon Gap-geun and received a bundle of documents, flipping through them one by one while reading. While former President Yoon was reading the documents, Attorney Yoon was continuously explaining something. Former President Yoon smiled as he listened to the explanation.
Before the trial began, Director General Ji Gwi-yeon asked former President Yoon if he wanted a jury trial. Attorney Yoon Gap-geun replied, "We do not want that." When the court asked former President Yoon, "Is the defendant's will the same?" former President Yoon nodded.
Director General Ji then verified former President Yoon's date of birth, occupation, and residence. Director General Ji asked, "You were born on Oct. 18, 1960, are a former president, and where is your residence?" In response, former President Yoon mentioned his residence address in Seocho-dong.