The first trial for Yoon Suk-yeol, the former president indicted on charges including being the ringleader of an insurrection, has begun.
The 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (presiding judge Jee Kui-youn) began the sentencing hearing for the former President Yoon at 9:20 a.m. on the 9th.
The former President Yoon appeared in court wearing a white shirt and a navy suit. The former President Yoon also spoke with the attorney seated next to him.
The Seoul Central District Court was crowded from early morning as citizens flocked to attend the trial. Around 8:30 a.m., citizens formed a long line in front of Exit 4 leading to Courtroom 417, where the sentencing hearing is being held.
After completing the examination of documentary and physical evidence, the trial is scheduled to proceed with the special counsel investigating the insurrection case delivering its final opinion and sentencing recommendation, followed by the defense's closing argument. The final statements of the eight defendants, including the former President Yoon and former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, are also scheduled. The special counsel's final opinion will be delivered by special counsel Park Eok-soo, who is expected to argue in court the gravity of the charges.
Attention in legal and political circles is focused on the sentencing recommendation the special counsel will ask the court to impose. Under the current Criminal Act, the statutory penalties for the crime of being the leader of an insurrection are limited to ▲ death ▲ life imprisonment ▲ life penal servitude. Accordingly, whether the special counsel will seek the maximum penalty of death or opt for life imprisonment is the central issue of this hearing.
On the 8th, the day before, the special counsel held a marathon meeting for six hours attended by special counsel Cho Eun-suk and others, and reportedly finalized the sentencing recommendation. The special counsel is said to have determined the level after comprehensively considering the specific allegations against the defendants, including the former President Yoon, and the degree of responsibility for the impact on the national constitutional order.