Former President Yoon Sukyeol is leaving the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 11th and greeting supporters as he moves to his private residence in Seocho-dong. 2025.04.11 Photo by Yoon Dongju

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Former President Yoon Sukyeol, indicted as the ringleader of insurrection in connection with the December 3 Martial Law Incident, completely denied the charges during the formal criminal trial proceedings, stating, "They have framed a few nonviolent hours as insurrection. This does not fit the legal definition."

Former President Yoon Seokyeol, accused of leading an insurrection, is entering the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where his first formal criminal trial is being held on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 14th, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) held the first formal trial for the insurrection charges against former President Yoon at 10 a.m. Yoon, delivering his opening statement in person, argued, "During the initial process of framing this as insurrection, frightened individuals made statements led by investigative agencies, which were reflected in the indictment without verification," asserting, "A martial law that lasted only a few hours is not insurrection."

Regarding the prosecution's claim that the appointment of former Minister Kim Yonghyun as Minister of National Defense was part of the 'martial law preparation process,' he stated, "Martial law is something that must always be prepared for." He added, "The very idea that such a scenario was being drawn up since last spring is truly like a comedy."

On the morning of April 14, when the first formal criminal trial of former President Yoon Seokyeol, who was indicted on charges of leading an insurrection, was held, the vehicle carrying former President Yoon entered the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. 2025.4.14 Photo by Joint Press Corps

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He also compared his case to the insurrection cases of former Presidents Chun Doohwan and Roh Taewoo, repeating the same arguments made during his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court, essentially claiming it was nothing more than "martial law for appeal purposes." Yoon stated, "I have also analyzed the indictments and verdicts of the December 12 and May 18 insurrection cases while handling various cases in the past," and said, "In the past, martial law was declared after seizing control with the military, but this time it was different."

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is leaving the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 11th and greeting supporters as he moves to his private residence in Seocho-dong. 2025.04.11 Photo by Yoon Dongju

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He continued, "I instructed that (the soldiers) should never be given live ammunition, that they should be deployed without being fully armed, and that civilians should be avoided," adding that it was "a peaceful martial law message to the public."