Former President Yoon Suk-yeol and 12.3 Emergency Martial Law figures, such as former Minister Kim Yong-hyun, are on trial for rebellion. Seoul Central District Court Judge Ji Soon-yeon has decided not to accept MBC’s application to broadcast Yoon’s trial proceedings.
Judge Ji, however, stated that she would consider requests from the special prosecutor and Yoon’s side, as stipulated in the Special Prosecutor Act.
Before advancing with the 16th trial proceedings concerning Yoon’s charges as a ringleader of rebellion, Judge Ji highlighted that “the Special Prosecutor Act specifies the applicants for broadcast as the special prosecutor and the defendant, thus an application from the media will not be accepted.”
Nonetheless, she suggested, “Given the social controversy surrounding broadcasting this trial, perhaps both the special prosecutor and the defense might want to review whether they wish to apply for broadcasting.” She added, “If such an application is made, the court will consider it.”
She also noted, “Broadcasting would require a preparation period for accommodating human and material resources,” requesting this aspect to be considered as well.
The Rebellion Special Prosecutor Act states, “The judge must permit broadcasting upon the application of the special prosecutor or the defendant unless there are special circumstances.”
Amid ongoing revisions led by the ruling party in the National Assembly, including three special prosecutor acts like the Rebellion Special Prosecutor Act, the inclusion of a “mandatory broadcast” clause has prompted the Court Administration Office to express concerns.
Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the Court Administration Office, expressed at the National Assembly that there might be constitutional issues with the mandatory broadcast clause, arguing “if broadcasting occurs without any restrictions, it may hinder proceedings that align faithfully and objectively with the truth.”