Will South Korea's Former President Yoon Face Justice in Court This Friday?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol is facing serious legal challenges regarding his martial law initiative.
- The upcoming court hearing could significantly impact his political future.
- Health issues have kept him from previous court appearances.
- The special counsel is investigating allegations of inciting foreign aggression.
- Accountability and transparency are crucial in governance.
Seoul, Sep 23 (NationPress) The former President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted, is scheduled to appear at a court hearing this coming Friday regarding new allegations tied to his failed attempt at martial law, as stated by his legal representatives on Tuesday.
In addition to an ongoing trial related to insurrection, a special counsel team has also charged Yoon with abuse of power and interfering with the rights of others, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.
His legal team confirmed, "(Yoon) will be present at the court hearing on Friday," noting that legal protocols require his attendance for this initial session.
Since July, Yoon has been in custody and has missed the last 10 court sessions in a trial concerning accusations of leading an insurrection, all while citing health issues.
On the same day as the new case's first court hearing, the Seoul Central District Court will also address a bail request submitted by Yoon last week, emphasizing his right to defend himself and health concerns.
This former president is facing trial for allegedly attempting to lead an insurrection via martial law, with a secondary trial concerning separate accusations of infringing on the rights of his Cabinet members and issuing an altered proclamation post-martial law set to commence on Friday.
On September 20, the special counsel team informed Yoon that he is to appear for questioning next week regarding the allegations related to his unsuccessful martial law initiative.
Special counsel Cho Eun-suk stated they have summoned Yoon to the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office for questioning next Wednesday, marking the first time he will be interrogated about allegations of instigating foreign hostility.
Investigators suspect Yoon may have given direct instructions to the Drone Operations Command to send drones to Pyongyang to provoke military responses from North Korea and potentially create a rationale for enforcing martial law.
Previous commanders, including former drone command chief Major General Kim Yong-dae, Joint Chiefs of Staff former Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo, and JCS operations chief Lt. Gen. Lee Seung-oh, have already been interrogated regarding these claims.
They have denied any connection between the drone deployment and Yoon's martial law initiative, asserting that these operations were merely defensive actions against North Korea's balloon campaigns targeting the South.