What Happened at Former President Yoon's Eighth Insurrection Trial?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yoon Suk Yeol is facing serious allegations including insurrection.
- Independent counsels are investigating multiple charges against him.
- If found guilty, Yoon could face life in prison or death.
- His trial has significant implications for South Korea's political future.
- Witness testimonies are expected to play a critical role in the trial.
Seoul, June 23 (NationPress) The former President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, was present for the eighth session of his insurrection trial on Monday, remaining tight-lipped regarding a recent inquiry by independent counsels into his unsuccessful martial law attempt.
Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court at approximately 10 am for the hearing, where he faces accusations of instigating an insurrection and misusing his authority related to the martial law he imposed on December 3.
This marked Yoon's first trial since his case was handed over to a special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, last week.
He also refrained from addressing inquiries about corruption claims involving his spouse, Kim Keon Hee.
An assistant special counsel was present at court for the first time to advance the indictment, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
On June 16, Yoon attended the seventh hearing of his insurrection trial, again not responding to questions concerning separate independent investigations into him and his wife.
Yoon had appeared at the Seoul Central District Court to face charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through the martial law imposition on December 3.
This was his initial trial after his successor, President Lee Jae-myung, appointed three independent counsels to probe into allegations concerning his martial law bid, corruption claims against his wife Kim Keon Hee, and potential interference in an investigation regarding a Marine's death in 2023.
Since the counsels' appointments last week, they have been assembling their teams and securing office locations.
Two witnesses—an aide to the defense minister and an official from the former martial law command—are scheduled to testify later today.
If found guilty of insurrection, Yoon could face severe penalties, potentially life imprisonment or even death.