Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol remained absent for the tenth consecutive session of his high-profile trial on September 19, 2025. The special counsel investigating his alleged attempt to impose martial law in December 2024 requested the court to set additional dates to speed up the legal process. The trial has drawn intense media coverage, widespread public attention, and heated debates about political accountability, legal transparency, and the rule of law in South Korea.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Continued Absence From Court and Its Consequences
Since his re-arrest on July 10, 2025, Yoon has refused to attend his trial sessions. His legal team cited health concerns, including partial blindness, to justify his nonattendance. However, prosecutors argue that Yoon’s absence obstructs the judicial process.
By missing hearings, Yoon risks delaying key testimony and critical evidence review. The trial’s repeated interruptions have frustrated the court, lawyers, and the public, emphasizing the need for additional sessions to maintain momentum in a case that affects South Korea’s democratic stability.
The special counsel asked the court to schedule hearings four times a week. Prosecutors believe increasing the frequency of sessions will help avoid further delays caused by Yoon’s continued absence. They emphasized that a timely resolution is essential for preserving public trust in South Korea’s justice system.
Charges Against Yoon Suk-yeol Martial Law and Insurrection Allegations
Yoon faces serious criminal charges, including insurrection and abuse of power, related to his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. He attempted to suppress what he labeled anti-state liberal opponents by mobilizing military forces, but lawmakers quickly countered his actions and nullified the decree.
His impeachment followed shortly after, and he received formal indictments for attempted rebellion. The charges carry severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment or a death sentence, marking this as one of the most consequential trials in South Korea’s modern political history.
Political and Legal Implications of Yoon’s Trial
The ongoing trial has far-reaching political consequences. Legally, the trial tests the South Korean judiciary’s ability to handle cases involving former heads of state impartially. Politically, Yoon’s actions have deepened divisions among citizens, with supporters calling him a victim of political persecution and critics asserting he threatened democratic institutions.
Special counsel’s push for additional dates reflects the need to resolve the case efficiently, reinforcing the importance of accountability and the rule of law. Analysts note that the trial’s outcome could shape South Korea’s political landscape for years, influencing elections, public opinion, and international perceptions of the nation’s democracy.
