One year after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's December 3, 2024, martial law declaration, Seoul courts remain busy with related trials. Yoon and his inner circle face charges including leading an insurrection and abusing authority, with key rulings expected early next year. President Lee Jae Myung plans to join a rally near the National Assembly on Wednesday to thank citizens for defending democracy.
The sudden declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3, 2024, shook South Korea's political system and led to his impeachment and removal. One year later, on December 2, 2025, trials stemming from that night continue to dominate Seoul's courtrooms. Yoon faces multiple indictments from three special counsel teams for charges including leading an attempted insurrection, violating national security laws, and abusing presidential authority. He appears in court almost daily, with prosecutors expected to submit sentencing recommendations in early January and a first-instance ruling anticipated around mid-February. Testimony has focused on whether pre-declaration military and intelligence directives were lawful or politically motivated.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is on trial for aiding the martial law imposition, performing key duties, and perjury during Yoon's impeachment. His final hearing concluded in late November, with a verdict expected in late January. Presidential office footage shows him handling martial law documents, contradicting his earlier testimony; he later admitted inaccuracies. Han remains free pending judgment.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, in detention, is depicted in videos directing ministers and reviewing documents during the emergency Cabinet meeting. His case is consolidated with Yoon's trial, with sentencing requests due after January hearings. Former Defense Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung, described as the operational head, testified about drafting emergency decrees and preparing military deployments. He initially denied wrongdoing but later expressed remorse.
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee, also detained, faces additional charges beyond stock manipulation, including accepting gifts from Unification Church-linked figures and political funding violations. Investigators are probing her networks' potential national security implications. Separately, People Power Party lawmaker Choo Kyung-ho attended an arrest warrant hearing on December 2 for allegedly obstructing a parliamentary vote to lift martial law by changing party meeting venues. He called for a 'fair judgment without political bias.'
Special prosecutors from Min Joong-ki's team searched Cho Eun-suk's team for evidence, including Telegram messages where Kim Keon Hee inquired about her investigations to former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae. President Lee Jae Myung's administration labels the events the 'Revolution of Light.' Lee plans a national address Wednesday morning, followed by the rally near the Assembly to thank citizens, amid planned counter-demonstrations by conservative groups.
