The court's ruling on Yoon Seok-youl includes a troubling recognition that grants legitimacy to the circumstances under which martial law could be declared by the president, raising significant political and social conflict.
On the afternoon of the 19th, the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Ji Kwi-yeon, concluded its trial by sentencing former President Yoon Seok-youl to life imprisonment for his role as the 'head of the rebellion.' However, there were concerning implications in the court's judgment regarding the nature of the December 3rd uprising. Notably, the court suggested that the president's discretion in declaring martial law should be respected, which can be interpreted as acknowledging that such declarations could bypass constitutional and legal procedures. This troubling perspective lends de facto legitimacy to Yoon's rationale for declaring martial law in response to the opposition's impeachment efforts and budget cuts, framing them as a national crisis caused by anti-state forces.
