Former President Yoon Seok-yeol Denounces Political Suppression from Jail

On July 21, 2025, former President Yoon Seok-yeol, currently incarcerated, stated, "This absurd political oppression is enough for me alone." This marks the first time Yoon has publicly addressed the special investigation into the alleged insurrection.

Yoon's legal team distributed a two-page statement to the press, where he expressed concern for military personnel and public officials who have been summoned by the special investigation team, stating, "Many soldiers and officials who followed legitimate orders from their superiors are suffering in court. This political oppression extends beyond me, causing pain to innocent people as well." He urged for an immediate halt to the unjust persecution that tarnishes the honor of those who have dedicated their lives to the nation and its people.

Reflecting on his political journey, Yoon acknowledged, "I knew I was stepping onto a thorny path when I left the prosecution to enter politics and run for president. However, I could not turn away from the reality of South Korea."

Regarding his declaration of martial law, he explained, "I believed that South Korea's liberal democracy and constitutional order were in a state of dire crisis. I did my best to explain why I had to make that decision during the impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court."

On July 19, the special investigation team indicted Yoon on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of official duties. After he failed to respond to a summons and a forced appearance was unsuccessful, the team deemed further investigation unproductive. The case has been assigned to the 35th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Baek Dae-hyun.

Yoon stated, "I will do my utmost to reveal the truth about the martial law in the criminal court. I will demonstrate how absurd the claim is that a president with supreme power instigated an insurrection to seize power, and clarify what the minimal military presence, which was not even operational, signifies."

He emphasized, "Above all, I will prove that the charges of insurrection against soldiers and public officials are entirely unjust. I believe that history will ultimately judge whether my judgment was correct and whether the declaration of martial law was the right decision."

Yoon also shared the difficulties of life in detention, saying, "I am spending each day in deep distress and sorrow. While I do not care what happens to me, I genuinely worry about the future of our country and its people as my fears become reality one by one."

Despite his situation, Yoon expressed his faith in South Korea and its citizens, stating, "I firmly believe that the people will protect the liberal democracy of our nation as sovereigns. I will stand with the people until the end."