Executive Summary
- The Seoul Central District Court scheduled the verdict for ex-President Yoon’s obstruction case for January 16.
- The Special Prosecutor has requested a 10-year prison sentence for charges including obstruction of special official duties.
- The court rejected the defense’s request to postpone the verdict until the conclusion of a separate insurrection trial.
The Seoul Central District Court has confirmed that the first verdict in the criminal trial of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, concerning allegations of obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant, will be delivered on January 16. The decision came after the court briefly resumed and subsequently concluded arguments on Monday, rejecting defense requests for a postponement.
According to court records, the 35th Criminal Agreement Division, presided over by Judge Baek Dae-hyun, held an additional hearing on January 6 to address evidentiary matters regarding charges of obstruction of special official duties and abuse of power. The Special Prosecutor’s team, led by Jo Eun-seok, formally submitted interrogation records of Park Jong-jun, the former head of the Presidential Security Service, as impeachment evidence. Previously, prosecutors requested a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon, asserting that his actions caused significant damage to the nation’s legal order.
During the hearing, defense attorneys argued for a delay in the proceedings. They contended that a verdict in this case should wait until a judgment is rendered in a separate, primary trial where Yoon faces charges of leading an insurrection. Yoon personally addressed the bench, requesting additional time to review new evidence and prepare a defense, stating, “I implore the court to allow time for evidence examination if necessary after reviewing our submission.”
The court, however, dismissed the request to delay the sentencing date. Presiding Judge Baek noted that the legality of the martial law declaration, which is the subject of the separate insurrection trial, is not a core issue in the current obstruction case. Consequently, the court maintained the original schedule, setting the sentencing for 2:00 PM on January 16.
Judicial Timeline and Implications
This upcoming ruling will be the first judicial determination among the eight criminal trials currently pending against the former president. The court’s refusal to link the schedule of this trial with the broader insurrection case—currently being heard by the 25th Criminal Agreement Division—indicates a judicial strategy to adjudicate distinct charges independently based on their specific merits. As the legal process moves toward this significant milestone, it is important to note that all individuals, including former high-ranking officials, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
