The specialized insurrection court in Seoul will officially commence hearings on the appeals of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on the 23rd, following their first-instance convictions involving their roles in a state of emergency declaration. Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of arrest, admitting guilt on most key charges, while his legal team contends that the prosecution misinterpreted legal principles surrounding the authority of cabinet ministers and the president's discretions regarding council meetings. In a striking development, Han, who was unexpectedly sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in leading insurrectionary acts, has also filed an appeal. The legal battles of both defendants aim to overturn the substantial implications of the sentences that could reshape perceptions of political accountability in South Korea. The first instance ruling that examined whether the emergency declaration constituted an act of insurrection has been a focal point, influencing the upcoming proceedings in this high-profile case against former leaders of the country. As these trials unfold in the specialized court, political observers closely watch for the implications they may hold for South Korea’s judiciary and the accountability of its political figures. With both Yoon and Han appealing their sentences, the outcome could set significant precedents for future political conduct and legal challenges in the realm of governmental authority and constitutional integrity, especially regarding the abuse of power during a national emergency.