Yoon Suk-yeol Charged with Sedition Crime, First Court Hearing Scheduled for Monday.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol appeared in Seoul Central District Court on Monday (April 14th) to face charges of “inciting internal disorder” due to his brief declaration of martial law at the end of last year and alleged deployment of troops to intervene in the parliamentary vote. This trial marks his first court appearance following his impeachment by the Constitutional Court, and it is one of the most highly anticipated political trials in South Korean judicial history.

On December 3rd last year, Yoon Suk-yeol suddenly announced nationwide martial law, stating it was to “eliminate anti-national forces.” However, his order was swiftly rejected by the parliament a few hours later. During the martial law period, special forces attempted to enter the parliament, only to be repelled by parliamentary staff using fire extinguishers and barriers.

The incident plunged South Korea’s political landscape and society into chaos. The Constitutional Court impeached Yoon Suk-yeol earlier this month citing reasons including his actions “violating the obligation to uphold the constitution” and “infringing upon the political fundamental rights of the citizens.”

Yoon Suk-yeol denies all charges against him.

According to reports from the Korean News Agency, Yoon Suk-yeol arrived at Seoul Central District Court in the morning in a black armored vehicle and entered the court through the underground parking lot to avoid public exposure.

The trial began around 10 a.m. Yoon Suk-yeol, dressed in a navy blue suit, sat at the defendant’s table. As per the court order, media were forbidden from taking photos or videos inside the courtroom.

The charge of “inciting internal disorder” that Yoon Suk-yeol faces carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment or even the death penalty, although South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

After his impeachment, Yoon Suk-yeol returned from the official residence to his private residence just a 10-minute walk from the court last Friday. He was met by hundreds of conservative supporters along the way. He remained defiant, vowing to “stand with his supporters.”

During Monday’s trial, the court first verified Yoon Suk-yeol’s identity, followed by the prosecution and defense lawyers presenting their arguments and defenses.

Two senior military officers are set to testify at the trial. One of them is Cho Sung-hyun, the commander of the First Security Division of the Seoul Defense Command, who testified before the Constitutional Court in February, stating he received orders to deploy troops to forcibly remove lawmakers during a parliamentary session to enforce martial law.

Yoon Suk-yeol has denied the allegations related to the deployment of troops at the parliament.

This turmoil further exposes the deep divide between the conservative and liberal factions in South Korea, increasing pressure on institutions and the military.