Yoon's First Criminal Trial Ends in 13 Minutes... Another Preparatory Hearing Set for Next Month 24th

Yoon's Side to Reveal Position on Charges Later

Prosecution Has 70,000 Pages of Documentary Evidence

"Oppose Combining with Other Trials"

President Yoon Suk Yeol's first criminal trial, where he faces charges of being a rebellion leader, ended in 13 minutes. However, the detention cancellation hearing will be conducted separately.

The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon) held the first preparatory hearing for President Yoon on the 20th at 10 AM.

Yoon's side did not reveal their position on accepting the charges during the trial. When the court asked about their stance on the charges, the defense counsel stated, "We haven't yet fully reviewed the records" and "It's difficult to state our position at this time."

Yoon's side also did not clarify their stance on combining the trial with other cases, including that of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun who was indicted for playing a crucial role in the rebellion, or on intensive hearing procedures.

The prosecution, however, opposed combining the trials, stating, "We previously expressed in former Minister Kim's trial that conducting separate trials would be more efficient" and "The degree of involvement in the overall crime and positions on the charges differ among defendants."

Instead, they requested parallel hearings where procedures remain separate but are conducted simultaneously. They also requested "intensive hearings at least 2-3 times per week considering the importance of the case."

The prosecution revealed they have prepared 70,000 pages of documentary evidence.

The court scheduled another preparatory hearing for 10 AM on the 24th of next month. Regular trial hearings will begin thereafter for full-scale proceedings.

Following today's preparatory hearing, the court is conducting a hearing on President Yoon's request for cancellation of detention.

Ahn Hye-won, Hankyung.com Reporter anhw@hankyung.com