SEOUL — South Korea's Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its verdict on Thursday, July 9, in the case against former president Yoon Suk Yeol concerning alleged crimes tied to his failed martial law declaration in 2024 and the ensuing political turmoil.
Yoon faces accusations of obstructing cabinet deliberations by convening only a select group of ministers shortly before declaring martial law. Additional charges include using forged signatures of the prime minister in the lead-up to the declaration and deploying presidential security agents to prevent his arrest after lawmakers nullified the martial law.
The martial law, declared during a shock late-night televised address in December 2024, suspended civilian rule and plunged South Korea into an unprecedented political crisis. It lasted approximately six hours before lawmakers voted it down in an emergency session. The move triggered widespread protests, caused a stock market plunge, and surprised key allies such as the United States.
Yoon, who has defended the declaration as necessary to address a crisis and root out threats, is currently detained while appealing a separate life sentence for leading an insurrection through the martial law declaration. Earlier in January, a lower court sentenced him to five years in prison on most charges.
The Supreme Court's ruling, following appeals against the lower court's decision, is due at 2pm local time (1pm Singapore time). The court has agreed to livestream the hearing after prosecutors' request.
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