In this first of four criminal trials against the former president, prosecutors claim that Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to obstruct his arrest by barricading himself in the presidential residence in January 2025. Additionally, he is accused of violating the rights of nine members of his cabinet who were not summoned to a meeting regarding the plan to impose martial law.
At the final hearing of the case, the prosecution presented its arguments. Yoon Suk Yeol, who is in custody, categorically denies all charges. A verdict is expected to be announced around January 16.
In early December 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency in South Korea, explaining it as a necessity to "combat pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and urging the opposition to "cease actions that threaten the functioning of the country." In response, the parliament initiated impeachment proceedings, and in January, the former president was arrested.
In March 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol was released; however, in July he was arrested again due to concerns that he might destroy evidence. In November 2025, a special prosecutor brought new charges against him related to abuse of power and aiding the enemy as a result of an operation to send drones to North Korea in October 2024. The prosecution claims that Yoon Suk Yeol ordered a secret drone operation on North Korean territory to provoke a response and use it as a pretext for imposing martial law.
