Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Supreme Court for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The Democratic Party and the Justice Party called the ruling "an expected outcome" and emphasized the need for strict judgment in upcoming trials. This decision marks the first Supreme Court ruling in 583 days since the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3.
Boo Seung-chan, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing that the Supreme Court's confirmation of guilt is significant as it addresses the obstruction of legitimate warrant execution and investigations through the privatization of state power.
He added, "Given the seriousness of the matter and the public's expectations, there is still a sense of disappointment. This reaffirms that even those in power who undermine constitutional order cannot escape legal judgment." He noted that a second trial regarding charges of insurrection remains pending and expressed hope for a judicial decision that aligns with the public's desire for a complete resolution of the insurrection and restoration of constitutional order.
Furthermore, the Democratic Party pledged to hold Yoon Suk Yeol and the insurrection forces accountable and to ensure the restoration of constitutional order and the protection of democracy.
Park Joo-min, a member of the Democratic Party, posted on Facebook that the Supreme Court's ruling clarifies that the obstruction of arrest was not a matter of security or public duty, but rather a crime committed to evade responsibility by those in power.
He criticized Yoon's team for indicating plans to appeal, stating, "It seems they still haven't come to their senses."
Lim Myung-hee, spokesperson for the Justice Party, remarked that Yoon's team plans to appeal, claiming the trial was rushed. She expressed skepticism about expecting a reasonable statement such as "I respect the judiciary's decision and apologize" from someone who has dealt with the law for a lifetime.
She also emphasized that Yoon, who received a life sentence in the first trial for insurrection, must face thorough proceedings in his remaining trials and receive a severe judgment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.