Yoon, Given Life Sentence, Voices Deep Doubts About Appeal: "Hard to Accept That Deploying the Military Is Treason"

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According to Financial News, former President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed dissatisfaction with the first-instance court’s life sentence and voiced doubts about filing an appeal. However, he also conveyed an apology to the public for the damage caused by the declaration of martial law.
Yoon released this statement on the 20th through his legal team. He said, "My judgment and decision to declare the December 3 emergency martial law were solely for the nation and the people," adding, "My sincerity and purpose remain unchanged even now."
He then expressed his displeasure with the court’s ruling. "It is at least a relief that the court did not accept the special counsel’s fictional and delusional claim that I declared emergency martial law after failing to create conditions for long-term rule," he said. "However, it is difficult to accept the logic that it constitutes treason simply because the military went to the National Assembly."
He continued, "In a situation where the independence of the Judiciary cannot be guaranteed and it is hard to expect rulings based on law and conscience, I have deep doubts about what meaning there is in a legal battle through an appeal," adding, "I will look forward to a reassessment of my judgment and decision on the day when liberal democracy stands firm and the rule of law is properly established."
At the same time, he delivered a message of apology to the public. Former President Yoon said, "Although it was a decision to save the nation, I deeply apologize to the people for the many frustrations and hardships you ultimately had to endure because of my shortcomings."
He went on, "It breaks my heart that many soldiers, police officers, and public officials are facing difficulties as they undergo investigations and trials, and that even their families are being crushed by that pain," adding, "I bear full responsibility for the decision-making process. I sincerely hope that the harsh ordeals and persecution against them will stop."
He further stated, "Political retaliation directed at me alone is enough," and warned against undermining democracy, saying, "Through investigations, a special counsel, and now a second special counsel, how many more people do you intend to purge, and to what extent do you intend to completely destroy national security?"
His legal team, however, clarified that Yoon "has not expressed an intention to forgo an appeal," explaining that his remarks reflected "his current state of mind." The defense is reportedly planning to file an appeal next week.
The previous day, the first-instance court found Yoon guilty of leading an insurrection and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter