Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the first hearing of his second trial on martial law-related charges Friday, marking his first public appearance since his arrest in July. The jailed ex-president was transported from Seoul Detention Center to the Seoul Central District Court ahead of the hearing, which commenced at 10:15 a.m. and will be broadcast online after personal details are anonymized.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon appeared in a dark navy suit, looking noticeably thinner, and wore his inmate number, "3617," on his chest as he entered the courtroom. During the proceedings, he confirmed his identity by stating his birthday and home address but declined the option of a jury trial. This new trial addresses charges of violating the rights of Cabinet members, revising the martial law proclamation, and obstructing his detention by investigators in January, in addition to charges related to his previous attempt to impose martial law in December.
The former president is also accused of ordering the deletion of call records and distributing false statements. Yoon's last public appearance was during his arrest warrant hearing on July 9, after which he was incarcerated for a second time. Since then, he has refused to participate in his insurrection trial or comply with summonses by special counsel teams investigating his case.
Yoon's legal team stated that his presence at Friday's hearing is mandated by law for the initiation of the new trial. The trial will be followed by a hearing on Yoon's request for bail, which he will also attend, although it will not be broadcast. The court is expected to explain its decision to deny the broadcast during the session, in accordance with legal requirements.