The eighth trial of the first-instance proceedings regarding former President Yoon Suk-yeol's insurrection leadership charge was held on the 23rd at the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Director General Ji Kwi-yeon. During the trial, the insurrection special investigation team and Yoon's defense lawyer engaged in a psychological battle during their first meeting.
In the special investigation team, Park Eok-su, the special investigator, attended in place of Cho Eun-seok. Park noted, "We plan to thoroughly identify the substantive truth of the case based on the evidence secured by the prosecution's special investigation headquarters and any further evidence that will be collected during the special investigation process."
Park further stated, "While the court may have its own difficulties, there are many concerns about delays in law enforcement, as it has been five months since the charges were filed and the release of the detained defendant is imminent. We respectfully request that the trial be expedited beyond the current pace."
In response, Yoon's defense attorney, Wi Hyun-seok, asserted, "The insurrection special investigation law is unconstitutional, and the trial should not proceed as it is. It is historically unprecedented for a specific political faction to recommend a special prosecutor and for a president from the same party to appoint them, only to exert prosecutorial power again."
Wi continued, "The special investigation law is a temporary measure that is only allowed when existing investigative agencies cannot perform their functions. It is questionable whether there is legislative legitimacy in removing the prosecution from an already investigated and prosecuted case and having another prosecutorial agency exercise prosecutorial authority."
The court stated, "We will read the opinions submitted by both sides and review the statutes before commenting."