Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol firmly denied allegations of inciting insurrection during his first criminal trial on April 14, asserting that his brief declaration of martial law in December did not constitute an attempt to overthrow the government as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Yoon, transported in a secured black vehicle, discreetly entered the Seoul Central District Court through an underground car park. The trial commenced shortly before 10 am, with Yoon, dressed in a navy suit, taking his place as the defendant. Media coverage was restricted under court rules prohibiting photography and filming.

The case centres on Yoon’s decision to enforce martial law on December 3, deploying troops to the National Assembly. Prosecutors claim this was a deliberate move to obstruct a parliamentary vote that could have overturned the decree. Yoon, once South Korea’s top prosecutor, was subsequently impeached and officially removed from power on April 4, following unanimous confirmation by the Constitutional Court.

In court, Yoon criticised the charges as being based solely on a short time frame—from 10:30 pm to around 3 am—and insisted the martial law was revoked peacefully after accepting the Assembly’s demand.

Prosecutors argued that Yoon’s prior actions and mindset reflected a premeditated attempt to destabilise the constitutional order, describing his conduct as an effort to trigger chaos. Conviction for insurrection in South Korea can result in life imprisonment or capital punishment. Following his dismissal, Yoon vacated the official residence in Hannam-dong and now lives near the courthouse. Two military officials are also scheduled to testify during the proceedings.