“Taking Three Types of Diabetes Medication… Risk of Blindness”
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol failed to appear in court 12 times consecutively for his trial on charges of leading an insurrection.
On the 26th, Former President Yoon appeared at the 1st trial for charges related to obstructing special official duties and abuse of power at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo: Joint Press Corps.
After the first trial for charges including obstruction of special official duties on the 26th, Yoon’s side announced that his health had deteriorated, making it difficult to attend future court sessions.
On the morning of the 29th, Yoon’s side issued a notice stating, “After attending the trial last Friday, Yoon has been experiencing dizziness and nausea, making it difficult to attend court sessions.”
Yoon attended both the trial concerning the charges of obstructing special official duties and a bail hearing on the 26th to determine his release. This was his first trial appearance in two months following his re-arrest on July 10 and subsequent detention review on July 18.
During the trial, Yoon appealed for the trial to be held without custody, citing his deteriorating health.
He stated, “Surviving in a 1.8-pyeong cell after arrest has been challenging,” adding, “Meeting with my attorney itself is a form of exercise.”
Regarding his non-appearance at special counsel investigations, he explained, “If I start responding, I don’t know how many times they will call. My wife is also indicted, and I have to go to trial 4-5 days a week. If the special counsel calls, I can’t go while detained,” continuing, “Although I’m not in a critical state where I can’t breathe when sitting, appearing here is no ordinary task.”
Watching the live broadcast of Yoon’s first trial on charges such as obstructing special official duties, abuse of power, etc., at Seoul Station concourse on the morning of the 26th. Photo: Newsis.
He expressed, “I’d rather be punished and want the trial to proceed as it may,” emphasizing, “I haven’t resisted cooperation while not in custody. The process is immensely difficult, hence the bail request, not because I’m dragging out the trial.”
Attorney Kim Gaeri for Yoon’s side discussed Yoon’s health, stating, “According to the medical report, he is taking medications for type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, and macular edema, putting him at a risk of blindness,” and added, “If he must attend special counsel investigations, he’d only have proper meals on weekends.”