The Seoul High Court held the first preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. on Monday for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's appeals trial over his failed 2024 martial law bid, following a lower court's life imprisonment sentence. The procedural session addressed appeals from Yoon and the special counsel team and focused on scheduling; defendants were not required to attend.
The Seoul High Court conducted the first preliminary hearing on April 27 at 2 p.m. for appeals filed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol—currently in custody—and special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team against a February lower court ruling. Seoul Central District Court had convicted Yoon of leading an insurrection through his December 3, 2024, martial law declaration, sentencing him to life imprisonment. Cho's team had sought the death penalty, accusing Yoon of inciting a riot to subvert constitutional order. The decree failed after a National Assembly vote, leading to Yoon's impeachment and ouster.
Other defendants include former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, sentenced to 30 years, and six ex-senior military and police officials. At the hearing, Kim's lawyers requested the court seek a Constitutional Court ruling on the trial bench's constitutionality and plan to petition directly if denied.
The appeals trial is overseen by a new tribunal for insurrection cases. The next preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 7, ahead of formal proceedings. Separately, special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team, launched in February, summoned Yoon for questioning on Thursday over unresolved suspicions, including preparations for a second martial law declaration.
