Former President Yoon, Not Standing on the Photo Line, Remains Silent to All Questions

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on trial for charges of insurrection, has made his first public appearance by attending the Seoul Central District Court. This is the first time he has attended publicly since the court prohibited access to the underground passage.

On the morning of the 12th at around 9:54 AM, former President Yoon arrived at the courthouse dressed in a black suit and a red tie. After getting out of his vehicle, he silently passed by the photo line and headed toward the courtroom.

While waiting, reporters asked, “Do you have any intention of apologizing for the declaration of martial law?”, “As the first president to declare martial law after military rule, do you consider yourself a free democrat?”, “Do you have anything to say to the public ahead of the early elections?”, but former President Yoon did not respond at all.

First Public Appearance Under the 'No Underground Access' Order

Previously, the Seoul High Court announced that, starting with this trial, former President Yoon would not be allowed to use the underground parking facility. As a result, his appearance on this day was made through the general entrance, marking the first public sighting of former President Yoon outside the courtroom.

In previous trials, former President Yoon had entered through the underground passage for safety reasons. However, this decision faced criticism from both within and outside the legal community, questioning whether it was excessive leniency for a former president. Ultimately, the court decided to change the entry method.

No 'Apology' or 'Statement'… Heading to Court in Heavy Silence

On this day, former President Yoon did not say a word. As he entered the courtroom in his capacity as a defendant, he did so with a stern expression and without any particular gestures or messages. His silence is considered quite unusual among the appearances of former presidents who have faced charges.

In addition to charges related to the declaration of martial law, former President Yoon is being held accountable for serious issues such as exercising unconstitutional authority and attempting to destroy constitutional order. The fact that the declaration of martial law is the first since military rule in the Republic of Korea lends significant weight to this trial.

There is growing interest in whether former President Yoon will continue to remain silent during the trial proceedings or choose to articulate his position and present a defense strategy.

Image source: kbs