Yoon Suk Yeol Boycotts Insurrection Trial Again: What’s Next for the Former President?

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol did not attend his insurrection trial for the second time Thursday, saying he will boycott all future hearings unless special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team is removed from the courtroom.

Yoon is currently in custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just south of the capital, after a court issued a warrant to arrest him last Thursday over charges related to his attempt to impose martial law in December.

A trial on separate charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law bid has already been under way, and the 11th hearing opened at the Seoul Central District Court earlier in the day.

One of Yoon’s lawyers stated, “Unless the special counsel is removed from the hearings, it is difficult for the defendant to be present.” The lawyer accused Cho’s team of seriously violating the defendant’s rights through an illegal investigation.

Yoon was also absent from the 10th hearing last week, which came only hours after he was placed in custody. It was the first time he had skipped his trial, which he attributed to health concerns.

The prosecution requested the court to issue a warrant to compel Yoon’s appearance, noting that the defendant has an obligation to attend his hearings and has repeatedly failed to do so.

The court urged Yoon’s lawyers to convince him to appear.

The court stated that if Yoon is unable to attend due to poor health, he must submit the relevant medical documentation. Additionally, if he wishes to challenge the constitutionality of the special counsel, he must do so through appropriate legal channels. (Yonhap)