South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol to become first sitting president to go on criminal trial as hearings begin
GuardianFEB 15
SKorea: Trial Opens for Former President Yoon Over Martial Law Declaration
Above: Police stand in front of pro-Yoon supporters on the side of a road as they wait for the arrival of former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (pictured on flag) outside the Central District Court in Seoul on April 14, 2025. Image copyright: ANTHONY WALLACE/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Former President Yoon's martial law declaration was a legitimate use of presidential authority to address political paralysis caused by the opposition. The period of martial law was brief, nonviolent, and lifted immediately following parliament's request. Unlike how it's being characterized by politically-motivated opposition leaders, the incident was a temporary measure to maintain order — not an insurrection — and it was never intended to undermine constitutional order.
Left narrative
Yoon's declaration of martial law was an unlawful attempt to seize power. By deploying troops to key government institutions, he has sought to disrupt the state's functioning and intimidate the opposition. Despite his claims that it was a necessary response to political gridlock, his actions echoed South Korea's dark dictatorship past and were a blatant violation of constitutional principles, undermining the democratic process while attempting to consolidate authoritarian control.