With about a week left before the first-instance verdict on charges including obstructing an arrest and ordering the deletion of records on a secure phone, former President Yoon Suk-yeol's side said it plans to submit hundreds of additional pieces of evidence, including transcripts of witness examinations from the rebellion trial. The court, however, reaffirmed that it will keep the sentencing date on the 16th.
The Criminal Division 35 of the Seoul Central District Court (presiding judge Baek Dae-hyun, Director General judge) on the 6th reopened arguments and then again closed them in the ongoing trial of former President Yoon on charges including obstruction of special official duties and abuse of power to obstruct the exercise of rights. Yoon's side said, "There are about 500 prepared (pieces of evidence)," and requested that a date be set for evidentiary examination.
The case concerns alleged infringement of Cabinet members' authority to deliberate and resolve on martial law before and after the Dec. 3 proclamation of emergency martial law, post-facto drafting and disposal of the martial law proclamation, false public communications after emergency martial law, orders to delete secure phone records, and obstruction of the execution of an arrest warrant.
On the 26th, the special counsel for rebellion sought a 10-year prison term and arguments were closed, but the court noted the need for additional proceedings and left open the possibility of reopening arguments.
Yoon's side argued that the rebellion case being heard separately is organically connected to this case. If the rebellion charge is found not guilty, the lawfulness of the investigation and warrant execution at the time could come into question, and on that premise, charges such as obstructing arrest should also be viewed as not guilty.
Attorney Song Jin-ho said he would submit hundreds of pieces of evidence, including transcripts of witness examinations from the case involving the alleged ringleader of the rebellion, along with statements of evidence this week. Citing the reason of applying to submit additional evidence, Yoon also asked the court to proceed with evidentiary examination, saying, "Please give us some time."
The court said it will keep the sentencing date but will review the materials to be submitted and assess the need for additional proceedings. If the evidence previewed by Yoon's side is actually submitted and the need for evidentiary examination is recognized, there remains the possibility that, at the court's discretion, the trial will reopen or the sentencing schedule will change.