Verdict for 'Obstructing Yoon's Arrest' Scheduled for January 16 Next Year

[Financial News] The case against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was indicted for allegedly obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police, is expected to reach a verdict next month.
On the 16th, the Criminal Division 35 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Baek Dae-hyun, Chief Judge of the Criminal Division, Seoul Central District Court, continued the trial of former President Yoon, who is charged with obstruction of special official duties and abuse of power.
The court set the sentencing date for January 16 next year.
The court explained, "According to Article 11, Paragraph 1 of the Special Counsel Act on Insurrection, a first-instance verdict must be delivered within six months of indictment. Since the special prosecutor filed charges on July 19, 2026, the verdict must be rendered by January 19, 2026, so sentencing is scheduled for January 16." The court added that the final hearing will be held on the 19th, but if there are changes such as the adoption of additional witnesses, proceedings will conclude on the 26th.
The court further stated, "Whether the declaration of martial law itself constitutes insurrection or is illegal is not an issue in this case. There is no need to follow the judgment of another court on this matter."
The Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason, led by Cho Eun-seok, indicted former President Yoon on charges including obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant, infringing on the deliberation rights of cabinet members related to the State Council Meeting on Martial Law, drafting a post-facto martial law proclamation, deleting records from an encrypted phone, and issuing false public statements regarding martial law.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter