Former President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 20th said of being sentenced to life in prison at the first trial on charges of being the ringleader of an insurrection in connection with the Dec. 3 martial law, "It is hard to accept the logic that it is an insurrection simply because the military went to the National Assembly."
Yoon said in a statement distributed by the defense team that day, "The judiciary did not completely reject the political power of lies and agitation," making this claim.
Regarding the proclamation of the Dec. 3 martial law, Yoon argued it was "a salvation decision for the nation." He added, "Because of my shortcomings, I ultimately caused many of you to suffer frustration and hardship, and I deeply apologize to the people."
Yoon said, "When the independence of the judiciary cannot be guaranteed and it is difficult to expect rulings based on law and conscience, I am deeply doubtful about what meaning there is in legal disputes through an appeal," adding, "When liberal democracy stands firm in Korea and the rule of law is set right, I will again look forward to a reassessment of my judgment and decision."
Aiming at the ruling camp, Yoon said, "Political retaliation should be confined to me," and asked, "Through investigations and a special counsel probe, and even a second special counsel probe, how many people do you intend to purge and attempt to completely destroy national security?" He added, "Do not further undermine democracy, and look after the lives of the people."
Yoon said, "I, Yoon Suk-yeol, will take a brief breath in the trial of the square and shoulder all responsibility," adding, "But I believe you, our great people, will once again establish justice under the banner of liberal democracy." He continued, "Our fight is not over. We must unite and rise."
Yoon's defense team explained of the statement, "It only revealed the party's current feelings," and said, "It is not an expression of intent to forgo an appeal."