[Anchor]
Former President Yoon delivered his position?
[Reporter]
Yes, former President Yoon, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial on charges of the head of the rebellion, just announced his thoughts on the ruling through his lawyers.
Former President Yoon said that the declaration of emergency martial law was a decision to save the country and the people, but apologized for causing many setbacks and hardships to the people due to his lack.
Yesterday, the court sentenced former President Yoon to life imprisonment, accusing him of fundamentally undermining the core values of democracy.
Korea's status and external credibility have declined, and internally, it is experiencing extreme confrontation, he said, pointing out that the social costs caused by the emergency martial law are also high.
The court defined the December 3 emergency martial law as a civil war, and in particular, reiterated that sending the military to the National Assembly was the core of the case.
He acknowledged the purpose of the National Constitution and the riot, saying that he was trying to stop the function of the National Assembly through an armed military.
However, he explained that the sentencing reflected the fact that he refrained from physical force and most of the plans failed.
[Anchor]
There was a different judgment from the results of the special counsel's investigation, right?
[Reporter]
Yes, the special prosecutor previously claimed that former President Yoon had prepared martial law for a long-term dictatorship about a year ago, and the court decided to mobilize force on December 1, 2024, two days before martial law was declared.
At the meeting of military commanders, it was judged that mentioning emergency powers and others could be viewed as a simple complaint rather than a specific planning stage.
In addition, Roh Sang-won's former intelligence commander's notebook, which was controversial due to the writing of "collection" and "killing," was not recognized as evidence, saying that the timing of writing was not accurate and sometimes did not match the actual facts.
[Anchor]
Former Minister Kim Yong-hyun filed an appeal yesterday, right?
[Reporter]
Yes, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison on charges of engaging in important missions of rebellion, appealed against the ruling on the day of the sentence.
The rest of the defendants have not yet submitted an appeal, but former President Yoon's lawyers strongly protested immediately after the sentence, saying, "The trial that lasted for a year was just a formality for a fixed conclusion."
However, he explained that he has not yet reviewed the ruling, and that he will look at the contents and discuss them.
The independent counsel, who sought the death penalty for former President Yoon, also said yesterday, "It was a meaningful ruling, but there is considerable regret in the recognition and sentencing."
After the sentence, it was reported that Cho Eun-seok, the special prosecutor, and the special prosecutor who participated in the hearing, held discussions for a long time.
As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to argue again about areas where it has not been recognized that martial law has been plotted since a year ago, so it is expected that the ruling will be reviewed and appealed.
[Anchor]
You're not done with the whole rebellion trial yet, are you?
[Reporter]
Yes, the trial of general transfer charges related to Pyongyang drones continues to be held behind closed doors, and former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, who was charged with critical civil war missionary work, is scheduled for the third hearing on the 23rd.
Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, a member of the People's Power who was accused of obstructing the National Assembly's vote on the demand for the lifting of martial law by changing the venue of the emergency assembly at the time of martial law, will hold his first hearing on the 25th of next month.
The first trial was also held last month for the commanders of martial law army, who were tried at the Seoul Central District Court after being dismissed, including former commanders Lee Jin-woo and female brother.
This morning, a second trial date was held for former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who was indicted on charges of not appointing a constitutional judge.
Former Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok, former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Kim Joo-hyun, former presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk, and former presidential secretary for public service discipline Lee Won-mo were also put on trial on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of exercise of rights. Choi did not come to trial yesterday after receiving an application to avoid the court, saying he could face an unfair trial.
Today, a witness examination was conducted on Hong Chul-ho, former senior presidential secretary for political affairs, who was involved in the appointment of a constitutional judge last year.
So far, I'm YTN Lim Ye-jin at the Seoul Central District Court.
Video Journalist: Kim Jung-han
Video editing: Ahn Hong-hyun
He attempted a coup for the sake of dictatorship, yet he continues to insist it was a patriotic decision to save the nation.
He even set up a sauna and bedroom inside the presidential office while neglecting his real duties. The fact that he kept committing acts punishable after his term shows that he intended to walk the path of a lifelong dictator through rebellion.
Since it was obvious that his power would inevitably weaken as his term went on, he must have chosen what he thought was the most opportune moment. It is only thanks to the citizens and the Democratic Party’s swift response that his attempt was thwarted.
For such a despicable traitor who plotted treason, only a death sentence and its execution can serve justice.
