Court rulings begin for Yoon and spouse

Jan 02, 2026, 08:25 am

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Former President Yoon Suk Yeol. / Pool photo

With investigations by three special prosecutors—covering alleged insurrection, First Lady allegations, and a fallen Marine case—now concluded, the focus shifts squarely to the courts for former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife.

Beginning this month, courts are set to deliver a series of first-instance verdicts in key cases involving the former first couple. Yoon faces eight separate criminal trials, including charges related to the Dec. 3 emergency martial law episode, alleged acceptance of polling favors through political broker Myung Tae-kyun, and claims of improper pressure in the investigation into a Marine’s death.

On Jan. 16, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 35 will hand down a first verdict on allegations that Yoon obstructed execution of an arrest warrant by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and infringed upon Cabinet members’ deliberation rights. Prosecutors from the insurrection special counsel have sought a 10-year prison term.

The core insurrection case stemming from the Dec. 3 martial law incident is being tried by Criminal Division 25 and is expected to conclude in February. The court plans to hold closing arguments over three days—Feb. 5, 7, and 9—after consolidating related cases involving senior police officials, including former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho, and former military leaders such as ex–Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The charges against Yoon carry statutory penalties of death, life imprisonment, or life without parole.

The judiciary’s first ruling on an insurrection-related case will come on Jan. 21, when Criminal Division 33 delivers its verdict for former prime minister Han Duck-soo, accused of aiding an insurrection ringleader. Prosecutors have sought a 15-year sentence, and the decision is widely seen as a bellwether for subsequent trials on whether the court recognizes the Dec. 3 events as insurrection.

On Jan. 28, the same panel will rule on cases involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee, People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong, and Yoon Young-ho, former head of the Unification Church’s global headquarters. Kim faces charges tied to alleged stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors and accepting luxury goods in violation of aggravated bribery statutes; prosecutors have requested a 15-year term. Prosecutors have sought four-year sentences for Kwon and Yoon on alleged violations of political finance laws.

Overall, investigations by the three special prosecutors have sent 24 defendants to trial among 121 individuals implicated. Courts have continued hearings through the winter recess (Dec. 29–Jan. 9) to keep cases moving, though many have yet to enter full deliberation.

Meanwhile, after the National Assembly passed legislation on Dec. 23 to establish a dedicated insurrection court, Yoon’s legal team signaled it would seek a constitutional review, arguing the new body amounts to an unconstitutional special tribunal. The defense said it would pursue a referral to the Constitutional Court to challenge what it called legislative overreach.

#Yoon Suk Yeol #Kim Keon-hee #special prosecutors #martial law case #obstruction of arrest