Former President Yoon Suk-yeol argued during the second trial for the charge of being the mastermind of a rebellion that 'the trial should focus on whether it constitutes a crime of rebellion.' He also stated, 'There is no need to unnecessarily interrogate witnesses that are irrelevant to the essence of the case,' regarding the prosecution's request for 38 witnesses related to this case.
The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, led by Director General Ji Kwi-yeon, held the second trial for former President Yoon's rebellion mastermind charge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 21st.
On this day, photographs and videos of former President Yoon sitting in the defendant's chair were published for the first time. Unlike the first trial on the 14th, the court allowed filming in the courtroom at the request of the press.
After entering the courtroom, former President Yoon sat in the defendant's chair without any particular reaction to the flash of cameras. After the filming equipment was removed, he displayed a faint smile.
During the trial, former President Yoon spoke for seven minutes regarding the progress of future procedures. This was in contrast to the 93 minutes he spent disputing the prosecution's allegations during the first trial.
Former President Yoon stated, 'Martial law is merely a legal means and is akin to a sword.' He added, 'One should not automatically see it as murder just because a sword was used.' He continued, 'I believe various constitutional perspectives on the crime of rebellion should be considered in determining how the trial or witness interrogations are ordered.'
Former President Yoon's side claimed that they should first interrogate witnesses that would prove their innocence before the 38 witnesses requested by the prosecution. They stated plans to request testimony from Minister Choi Jae-hae, Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae, and former Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min.
As the prosecution and defense engaged in a back-and-forth, former President Yoon said, 'The crux of the defense attorney's argument is that if the law is established, there is no need to unnecessarily interrogate witnesses that are irrelevant to the essence of the case.' He added, 'Since the record is a type of expert evidence, if the defendant does not consent, it cannot be used as evidence and must be established in court, so is it really necessary to hear expert witnesses who merely heard (about it) in this courtroom?'
The court announced that the next trial would be held on May 12. Special Warfare Command Chief Park Jeong-hwan and Deputy Commander of the Defense Security Command Oh Sang-bae will appear as witnesses.
Meanwhile, during the trial, former President Yoon's side conducted a cross-examination of prosecution witnesses Colonel Cho Seong-hyun, commander of the 1st Security Division of the Army Capital Defense Command, and Colonel Kim Hyeong-ki, commander of the 1st Special Forces Brigade. It is reported that the two stated earlier to the prosecution that they received orders from the commander on the day of the martial law to 'pull out the members of the National Assembly.'
Before finishing the cross-examination, Colonel Kim stated, 'There is something I really want to say,' and obtained the opportunity to speak. He said, 'I do not serve a person. I serve the organization, and the organization is to protect the country and the people.' He continued, 'How will I perform the duties assigned to me on December 4th? I will be loyal to the organization. I would rather be punished for insubordination.'