Court Approves Filming of Former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s Second Trial Session for 'Rebellion Charges'

The appearance of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who has been indicted on charges of 'rebellion leader,' will be publicly revealed during his trial.

The court accepted the media's request to film the former president. As a result, Yoon Seok-yeol is expected to be seen for the first time in camera footage while seated in the defendant's seat during the second trial session scheduled for the 21st.

On the 17th, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, led by Judge Park Jeong-gil, decided to permit video filming of Yoon Seok-yeol's trial. This filming approval appears to recognize the public interest in broadcasting trials, responding to requests from the judicial press corps' videography teams.

Video Filming Allowed During Trials of Former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak

Previously, both former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak had video filming allowed during their first trial sessions, with trial scenes made public through the media. In contrast, filming was not permitted during the first trial of Yoon Seok-yeol, raising concerns about fairness.

It is reported that Yoon Seok-yeol's legal team submitted a statement to the court prior to this decision.

The statement reportedly expressed concerns that "filming the trial could contradict the principle of presumption of innocence." It raised the point that public filming before the trial starts might negatively influence public opinion, despite him being the defendant.

However, the court seemed to conclude that the public interest outweighs these concerns, citing the significance of the case. The court plans to allow filming only when the trial officially begins, specifically when Yoon Seok-yeol is seated in the defendant's chair.

Court Likely Permitted Filming for 'Public Interest' Despite Yoon's Team's Objections

Former President Yoon Seok-yeol is currently on trial facing charges of rebellion related to the December 3rd state of emergency. The second trial session on the 21st is expected to garner significant public interest as substantive hearings commence.

Image Source: Former President Yoon Seok-yeol / News1, SBS