The Democratic Party and the Justice Party have responded strongly to the first trial's life sentence verdict against former President Yoon Seok-yeol, deeming it an inadequate judgment that disrupts the accountability that the public seeks. Democratic Party Leader Jeong Cheong-rae expressed that the ruling was a blow to judicial integrity, especially for a leader accused of coup-like acts against the state. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation through an additional special investigation to ensure the highest possible sentence is achieved for Yoon.

Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun also conveyed through a written briefing that the court's decision appears absurd, as it seems to grant leniency to a leader of a coup simply due to their age and lack of prior criminal history. They called for a prompt appeal and demanded a rigorous investigation to uphold the principles of justice and equality before the law. The representative from the Justice Party echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the verdict for exacerbating public dissent rather than alleviating it.

Furthermore, proposals were made to amend the pardon law to prohibit the pardoning of individuals convicted of insurrection and treason. These measures are seen as necessary to re-establish public trust in the judicial system. Leaders from both parties highlighted the shortcomings of the current legal proceedings and stressed the need for laws to ensure justice for crimes against the state, affirming that this matter requires urgent public discourse and legislative action.