Seoul, South Korea – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol awaits his fate as the sentencing in his landmark trial approaches on February 19th. The case, centered on accusations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice related to a controversial attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, has deeply divided the nation.
Yoon’s legal team revealed that the former president expressed a belief in the country’s eventual recovery during a recent visit at the Seoul Detention Center on February 9th. According to his attorney, Bae Ui-cheol, Yoon stated, “The weather will soon turn warmer. Amidst prayer, I believe this nation will be fully restored.” Bae also noted that Yoon consistently expresses concern for the South Korean people, particularly its youth, while maintaining his own composure.
Bae shared that Yoon dedicates significant time to prayer, reportedly spending time between 5:00-6:00 AM and 9:00-11:00 PM each day in prayer for the nation and its citizens. The attorney is now appealing for widespread prayer support leading up to the sentencing.
“With the sentencing just 10 days away, I implore you to join me in focused prayer for President Yoon,” Bae wrote in a social media post. “Pray that during his prayer time, you will join him in prayer, and that on February 19th, justice will prevail in a fair trial.”
In addition to the emotional and spiritual preparations, Yoon recently underwent a medical procedure to address an eye condition. According to Bae, while his right eye is somewhat affected, his overall vision is stable. He requested continued prayers for the former president’s health.
The upcoming sentencing marks the conclusion of the first phase of legal proceedings against Yoon. In January, special prosecutors sought the death penalty for the former president, alleging insurrection and other serious crimes. The initial charges stem from his December 2024 attempt to declare martial law, a move that triggered widespread protests and ultimately led to his impeachment and arrest.
Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and indicted, a watershed moment in the country’s democratic history. His administration faced consistent criticism and low approval ratings prior to the martial law declaration. The attempt to impose martial law sent shockwaves through South Korea and the international community.
However, this is only one of several legal battles facing the former leader. He is currently involved in a total of seven trials, including three additional cases related to the December 3rd martial law declaration. The most serious of these carries the potential for a death sentence, with Yoon accused of leading an insurrection. He also faces a case involving allegations of foreign collusion related to the so-called Pyongyang drone infiltration operation.
The sentencing in the obstruction of justice case is scheduled for February 19th at 3:00 PM local time. The trial has been closely watched both domestically and internationally, raising questions about the future of democracy and the rule of law in South Korea.
