South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to appear in court on Monday to face criminal charges of insurrection after declaring martial law last year, a move that shocked the nation and triggered months of political and social unrest. Yoon’s trial begins at 10 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court, where he is legally required to attend as a criminal defendant.
The former leader faces life imprisonment or even the death penalty under South Korean law, though executions have not occurred in decades. Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, claiming the need to eliminate "anti-state" elements. The order was revoked just six hours later after parliamentary staff, using barricades and fire extinguishers, repelled special forces attempting to storm the National Assembly. Lawmakers quickly voted to reject the order.
Yoon was formally removed from office by the Constitutional Court earlier this month, which ruled that his actions represented “a serious challenge to democracy.” The controversial declaration destabilized key sectors including the economy, society, and foreign policy, further widening the divide between South Korea’s conservative and liberal factions.
Two high-ranking military officers are expected to testify in Monday’s trial. One of them, Army Capital Defense Command officer Cho Sung-hyun, previously told the Constitutional Court that he was ordered to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament—an allegation Yoon has denied.
Despite his impeachment and removal from office, Yoon remains defiant. On Friday, he returned to his private residence, greeted by crowds of conservative supporters. He has vowed to continue supporting his political base.
A snap presidential election is scheduled for June 3, raising questions about whether Yoon will attempt to influence the outcome or maintain a political presence despite the ongoing trial.