Seoul appeals court upholds ex-president Yoon’s acquittal in false testimony case
The Seoul High Court in South Korea upheld the acquittal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in a false testimony case related to the declaration of martial law. The special prosecutor appealed the first-instance court’s ruling and sought a fine of 10 million won, or about $7,300, for Yoon.
Appeals court findings
As The Korea Herald reports, the appeals court concluded that the special prosecutor had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Yoon’s testimony was false. The former president said that he had planned to convene a Cabinet meeting even before former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo proposed holding such a meeting on the night martial law was declared.
The court found that Yoon’s testimony about his own intentions could be assessed under the false testimony law. At the same time, it found insufficient evidence that the former president’s statements were false or contradicted what he remembered.
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Special prosecutor’s position
Yoon was indicted over testimony he gave in November 2025 during Han Duck-soo’s trial. When asked whether he had considered it necessary from the outset to gather a sufficient number of government members for a meeting, Yoon replied: “Yes.” He also said that he knew a Cabinet meeting was required before the public declaration of martial law.
The special prosecutor argued that Yoon initially summoned only six government members and began gathering additional officials only after Han proposed holding a meeting in order to give the declaration an appearance of legality. The appeals court noted that, given Yoon’s position and experience, it was difficult to believe that he did not know a Cabinet discussion was necessary before declaring martial law. The court also cited testimony from former government 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.
