South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol has lodged an appeal against his insurrection conviction related to his martial law declaration in 2024, as confirmed by his legal representatives on Tuesday. Last week, the Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of orchestrating an insurrection aimed at incapacitating the National Assembly, leading to a life sentence for him.
Initially expressing difficulty in accepting the verdict, Yoon refrained from indicating an immediate appeal. However, his legal team announced on Tuesday their intent to challenge the ruling. In a statement, Yoon’s lawyers asserted their responsibility to highlight the flaws in the judgment, aiming to document the issues not only within the court’s records but also for historical assessment in the future.
The defense team raised concerns about the prosecution’s “overly aggressive charges” and vowed to contest the “inconsistent judgment issued… based on that foundation, and the political circumstances surrounding it.” During the trial last week, presiding judge Ji Gwi-yeon stated that Yoon had deployed troops to the National Assembly in an attempt to silence political adversaries who obstructed his governance efforts.
Describing Yoon as deeply unpopular during the martial law crisis, the judge noted that his party faced significant opposition in parliament, which had obstructed financial measures and impeached key officials in his administration. Backed by senior military figures, Yoon ordered the military to take over the assembly building and detain dissenters.
The judge emphasized that Yoon was “obsessed” with the belief that the opposition could undermine the president’s authority effectively.
In December 3, 2024, Yoon made a surprise announcement on late-night television, citing vague North Korean threats and perceived risks from “anti-state elements,” leading to the suspension of civilian rule and the imposition of military control. Martial law was revoked approximately six hours later following a swift response by lawmakers who convened at the assembly building and voted against it.
The crisis sparked protests, caused turmoil in the stock market, and caught key military allies like the United States off-guard. Yoon was removed from office in April last year, and a snap election in June saw the election of President Lee Jae Myung by the voters.
Yoon expressed regret last week for the “hardship” resulting from his martial law decree but maintained that it was a measure taken “solely in the national interest.”