Former President Yoon Suk-yeol has consecutively missed four court appearances in a trial for the charge of being the ringleader of a rebellion. In response, the court said, "The defendant must bear any disadvantages arising from this absence."
On the 11th, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 (Director General Ji Gwi-yeon) held the 13th hearing in the trial concerning former President Yoon's charge of being the ringleader of a rebellion from 10:15 a.m.
Former President Yoon did not attend court that day due to health issues. This marks his total of four consecutive absences following the 10th, 17th, and 24th of last month.
At the start of the trial, the court stated, "The report from the Seoul Detention Center indicates that it has not been confirmed that the defendant's movements are uncomfortable." It further noted, "Regarding the possibility of a forced appearance, the detention center replied that it is 'significantly difficult. There are concerns about incidents during physical apprehension, and given human rights issues and social repercussions, it is challenging.'"
In response, special prosecutor Park Eok-su from the rebellion special investigation team said, "Since the defendant has disregarded the obligation to attend court under the criminal procedure law and has missed all hearings, we urge the court to consider firm measures such as issuing a bench warrant."
Yoon's attorney, Wi Hyun-seok, stated, "According to the response received today from the Seoul Detention Center, the defendant cannot sit for long periods due to a chronic illness," adding that, "When there are significant difficulties with physical appearance, a trial can proceed in absentia," and requested the court to conduct the trial in his absence.
The court stated, "In light of the defendant's refusal to attend, the trial will proceed in his absence," adding, "Instead, the disadvantages incurred due to absence are to be borne by the defendant."
A trial in absentia is one that proceeds without the defendant's presence. According to Article 277-2 of the Criminal Procedure Act, a trial can be conducted without the defendant's attendance when a detained defendant refuses to appear without just cause and is deemed unable or significantly difficult to be apprehended by a correctional officer.