South Korea: Yoon Participates in Second Insurrection Trial Hearing Under Press Spotlight

Seoul, April 21 (NationPress) Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was present at his second hearing concerning the insurrection trial on Monday, marking the initial occasion he was captured in the defendant's seat. Yoon made his entrance at the Seoul Central District Court through the underground parking, similar to his arrival for the first hearing the previous week, and appeared in the courtroom wearing a dark suit and a red tie.

Amid the flashes of camera lights, Yoon maintained a neutral expression, occasionally glancing towards the prosecution's seat and whispering to his lawyer.

As the session commenced, the presiding judge declared the court's decision to permit the media to photograph and film the initiation of the hearing, taking into account the public's interest and right to information.

In contrast, the court had restricted filming during the initial hearing, citing insufficient time to obtain the defendant's consent and to carry out necessary protocols.

Photographers were asked to exit the room before the formal proceedings began.

Yoon, a former chief prosecutor, is facing allegations of orchestrating an insurrection via his brief enforcement of martial law on December 3, which involved the deployment of military personnel to the National Assembly in an alleged effort to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree.

He was impeached by the National Assembly shortly thereafter and was removed from his position on April 4, following a unanimous decision by the Constitutional Court to uphold his impeachment, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

During witness examination on Monday, Yoon's legal team interrogated Cho Sung-hyun, commander of the First Security Group of the Capital Defence Command, regarding his assertions that he was directed by superiors to "drag out" lawmakers from the National Assembly during the martial law period.

When questioned by Yoon's attorney about the feasibility of such an order, Cho remarked, "I don't understand why an impossible directive would be issued."

Alongside Cho, Kim Hyung-ki, head of the First Special Forces Battalion of the Special Warfare Command, also claimed to have received similar instructions during last week's hearing.

When probed on the practicality of removing lawmakers as a military operation, Cho responded, "In a military operation, an order to drag out lawmakers cannot exist."

The charge of insurrection can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or even death.

During the first hearing, Yoon defended his actions, asserting that his attempt to impose martial law did not constitute an insurrection. However, the prosecution argued, referencing the former President's perspectives on state affairs and his actions leading up to the martial law declaration, that he aimed to "ignite a riot" with the intention of "overthrowing the Constitution."