The criminal trial of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces insurrection charges over his controversial martial law imposition on December 3, is set to begin on February 20, 2025.
The case, which supersedes his presidential immunity, involves allegations of inciting an insurrection by declaring a state of emergency despite no signs of national crisis.
Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to unlawfully impose martial law and send military troops to the National Assembly to prevent the legislature from voting down his declaration.
Legal sources confirmed that the Seoul Central District Court has scheduled the first pretrial hearing for February 20. However, Yoon is not required to attend this initial procedural step, which will focus on reviewing key issues and evidence before the formal trial.
Despite the ongoing impeachment trial, which questions his actions during the state of emergency, Yoon is facing criminal investigation for his role in what is being called an unconstitutional response to a perceived political crisis.
Yoon's martial law declaration has sparked significant controversy, as it was imposed without the presence of armed conflict, war, or other indications of a national emergency.
In addition to the martial law accusations, Yoon is alleged to have orchestrated the arrest of political figures and pressured lawmakers to comply with the declaration.
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