Seoul High Court Upholds Acquittal of Yoon Suk Yeol in Perjury Case

The Seoul High Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court ruling acquitting former President Yoon Suk Yeol of perjury over testimony he gave at the insurrection trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

The appeals court said the special counsel failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Yoon had lied when he testified that he planned to convene a Cabinet meeting before Han suggested doing so on the night martial law was declared.

Yoon was charged over testimony he gave during Han’s trial in November 2025. When asked whether he had believed from the outset that enough Cabinet members should be summoned for a meeting, Yoon replied, “Yes,” adding that he knew a Cabinet meeting was required before publicly declaring martial law.

The special counsel alleged that Yoon initially summoned only six Cabinet members and sought to bring in additional members only after Han proposed holding a meeting to give the declaration the appearance of legality.

The appeals court said Yoon’s testimony concerned his own intentions and could therefore be examined under the law governing perjury. It nevertheless found insufficient evidence that his account was false or contradicted what he remembered.

The court said it was difficult to believe, given Yoon’s position and experience, that he did not know Cabinet deliberation was required before martial law could be declared.

It also cited testimony from former Cabinet members and a document prepared in advance for then-Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.

The Seoul Central District Court acquitted Yoon in May on similar grounds. The special counsel appealed and sought a fine of 10 million won ($7,300).