Yoon Suk Yeol Skips Court Again: Trial Moves Forward Without Him
In a dramatic turn in South Korea’s political drama, former President Yoon Suk Yeol missed his insurrection trial for the eighth time straight on Monday. The Seoul Central District Court decided to push ahead with the hearing without him, as his no-shows continue to stir controversy.
Yoon has stayed away from the Seoul Central District Court since his second arrest on July 10. He’s facing serious charges over his failed bid to declare martial law last December. The ex-leader blames health problems for skipping sessions, but the court isn’t buying it anymore.
On Monday, the judges announced they’d keep the trial going in his absence. They pointed out that the Seoul Detention Center, where Yoon is currently held, said it’s impossible to force him to attend. Under South Korea’s Criminal Procedure Code, courts can do this if a defendant skips without a good reason and bringing them in by force is too tough or risky.
This insurrection case is no small matter. Yoon stands accused of leading an insurrection and abusing his power with that short-lived martial law attempt. If convicted, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty, according to Yonhap news agency. The charges stem from the chaotic events in December when Yoon tried to impose martial law, sparking nationwide outrage and his eventual impeachment.
During Monday’s session, the court planned to hear from a key witness – an official from the Defense Counterintelligence Command. This agency played a big role in the martial law operations, so their testimony could reveal crucial details about what went down.
The plot thickens with fresh accusations from a special counsel team. Back on September 3, investigators led by Cho Eun-suk claimed Yoon had been chatting about martial law plans as early as March last year. This raises questions about whether Choo Kyung-ho, the former floor leader of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP), knew about the scheme before it was announced.
The special counsel wants to search Choo’s office with a warrant. They suspect he tried to block lawmakers from voting to end the martial law declaration in parliament that December. This could tie more big names into the South Korea martial law scandal.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes are on how this will shake up South Korean politics. Yoon’s absence keeps the spotlight on his legal battles and the fallout from his controversial decisions. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-stakes case.
