The Seoul High Court has approved live broadcasting of the appeal trial for former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was convicted of obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant and other charges. The decision, announced on Monday, March 3, 2026, by the court’s Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Yun Sung-sik, follows a request from the insurrection special counsel team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok.
The first hearing of the appeal is scheduled for March 4, and the court intends to broadcast all proceedings. Yoon was initially found guilty on January 16, 2026, by the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 35, presided over by Judge Baek Dae-hyun, and sentenced to five years in prison. The charges stem from allegations that he obstructed the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police during an attempt to arrest him.
The initial indictment included accusations of violating cabinet members’ deliberation rights, drafting and destroying martial law proclamations after the fact, ordering the removal and deletion of encrypted phones, and actively blocking the CIO’s attempt to execute an arrest warrant. The court found him guilty of these offenses, marking a significant development in the case that began with his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The special counsel’s request for a live broadcast was filed on February 26, 2026. The Seoul High Court’s decision to grant the request is notable, as it allows the public to directly observe the legal proceedings. Criminal Division 1, along with Criminal Division 12, has been designated as the dedicated insurrection trial division at the Seoul High Court, reflecting the gravity of the charges.
The court is also handling the appeal trial of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who received a seven-year prison sentence in the first instance on charges related to ordering media blackouts. This suggests a coordinated approach to cases stemming from the same period of political upheaval. The panel overseeing the cases includes High Court Judges Lee Seung-cheol, Cho Jin-gu, and Kim Min-a.
The case against Yoon originated after his December 3, 2024, declaration of martial law, which he claimed was necessary to counter perceived threats from North Korea and hostile elements within the country. The order was quickly rescinded following a unanimous vote by the National Assembly demanding its withdrawal. The CIO subsequently sought an arrest warrant, which was granted by the Seoul Western District Court later that month.
The proceedings have involved a substantial amount of evidence and testimony, with the initial trial featuring 43 hearings and approximately 160 witnesses. The court consolidated related cases against senior military and police officials accused of involvement in the alleged insurrection with Yoon’s case in December 2024, broadening the scope of the investigation.
