Court Rejects Bail Request for Former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Trial to Proceed in Detention

The court has rejected a bail request from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, confirming that he will remain in custody while his trial continues.

On October 2, the 35th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Baek Dae-hyun, dismissed Yoon’s application for bail, which was filed amid charges including obstruction of official duties.

Yoon, who was indicted and detained last January on charges of leading a rebellion, was released in March after the court revoked his arrest warrant. However, he was taken back into custody in July after a new warrant was issued at the request of the special prosecutor. On September 19, Yoon filed for bail, citing the need to better prepare his defense and health concerns as reasons to request an out-of-custody trial.

During a bail hearing held on September 26, Yoon’s legal team argued that “with four hearings per week, it is extremely difficult to adequately prepare for witness examinations,” insisting, “the right to a full defense is being undermined.” They further stressed Yoon’s health, highlighting the risk of vision loss due to diabetes complications. Speaking in court, Yoon pledged his cooperation, stating, “I will manage my health through exercise and diet, and participate faithfully in the trial,” and appealing for bail on these grounds.

The special prosecutor’s team objected, asserting, “The destruction of documents related to the emergency martial law is evidence of intent to destroy evidence,” and warned that “Yoon still has supporters whose political influence could impact the ongoing investigation and trial should he be released.”

Weighing both sides, the court ruled that there remains a risk of evidence destruction if Yoon is released, and therefore denied bail. As a result, former President Yoon’s trial will continue while he remains in detention.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency