Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a coup, made a controversial statement asserting that his actions on December 3 were a 'necessary decision for the country.' Despite this assertion, he expressed deep regret to the public for the frustrations and hardships brought about by the aftermath of his actions. Yoon's acknowledgment of his missteps complicates the narrative surrounding his justification for declaring a state of emergency, as he implied a disconnect between his intentions and the consequences faced by the citizens.

Additionally, Yoon criticized the legal system that labeled his leadership actions as treasonous, suggesting that the political powers opposing him are using this to strengthen their position against him. In remarks directed through his lawyers, he claimed that while he remains steadfast in his beliefs regarding his motives, the legal interpretations placing his actions under scrutiny were inconsistent. This highlights the polarizing political atmosphere in South Korea, where perceptions of legal accountability and political maneuvering are at the forefront of public discourse.

Yoon further expressed skepticism about the utility of appealing the court's decision, given his belief that the independence of the judiciary cannot be guaranteed. This raises questions about the legitimacy of the judicial process for him and could potentially affect how future legal battles are perceived in the context of South Korean democracy, especially if he hints at the possibility of abandoning his appeal. Despite this, analysts suggest he is unlikely to forgo his appeal, as it may serve as a platform for his political ambitions in the future.