On September 19, the Seoul Central District Court found former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol guilty of charges related to leading a rebellion, specifically recognizing his role as the leader of the insurrection. The court also upheld charges against Kim Yong-hyun, the former Minister of Defense, for his involvement in the same rebellion, categorizing him as a key participant in the unlawful activities. The court's ruling underscored the severity of the charges against Yoon, which include conspiring with Kim and others to declare an unconstitutional state of emergency and directing forces to seize political institutions and unlawfully detain politicians.

The accusations detail a coordinated effort alleged to have been made by Yoon and Kim, where they are accused of inciting chaos and disorder in violation of constitutional norms, which could potentially destabilize the political landscape of South Korea. With the Special Prosecutor's team previously calling for the death penalty for Yoon during the final hearing last month, this ruling is likely to have far-reaching impacts on Yoon's legacy and South Korea's political climate. The ruling is also indicative of a broader struggle within the country regarding accountability for actions taken during political upheaval.

As the case draws significant national attention, it raises questions about the integrity of the political process in South Korea and the rule of law, further energizing public discourse on the need for governance reforms. The outcome of the trial could embolden opposition movements or alternatively solidify support for Yoon’s faction depending on public sentiment regarding the legality and motives behind the actions taken by Yoon and Kim.