South Korea’s former president Yoon to face criminal trial Monday on insurrection charges

SEOUL — South Korea’s ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol will face his first criminal trial on Monday, charged with leading an insurrection following his failed attempt to declare martial law in December, Yonhap News reported, citing court officials.

The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to open the hearing at 10 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), with Yoon required to attend in person. He becomes the fifth former South Korean president to stand criminal trial.

Court protocols dictate that Yoon will begin by formally stating his name, date of birth, occupation, and address before prosecutors read out the charges. He is expected to deny the allegations.

The proceedings, which will be closed to media photography inside the courtroom, mark a critical legal milestone in Yoon’s post-impeachment downfall. He was removed from office 10 days ago after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment, which stemmed from his controversial attempt to impose martial law.

If convicted, Yoon could face a life sentence or even the death penalty under South Korean law.

Two high-ranking military officials — Cho Sung-hyun, commander of the First Security Group of the Capital Defense Command, and Kim Hyung-ki, head of the First Special Forces Battalion of the Special Warfare Command — are slated to testify as key witnesses in the trial. — Agencies