Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Yoon seeks to hire attorneys for looming court battle
President Yoon Suk Yeol apologizes over political and social turmoil after his martial law decree at the presidential office in Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of presidential office
By Jung Min-ho
President Yoon Suk Yeol appears to be seeking legal help in the face of his possible impeachment and prosecution for treason charges related to the imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, according to officials, Wednesday.
Kim Hong-il, a former prosecutor who served as chief of the Korea Communications Commission under Yoon, known as one of the president’s closest figures, was confirmed to have left his law firm, Sejong, recently.
This comes amid reports that the presidential office is attempting to form a team of legal experts to defend Yoon in possible court battles.
Kim, 68, who had worked at Sejong for more than 10 years before serving as the head of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the media regulation agency, returned to the law firm just several weeks ago.
Choi Ji-woo, who previously served as legal staff at Yoon’s office, is reportedly among other lawyers contacted to join the team. Amid investigations into the bag scandal, in which first lady Kim Keon Hee received a Dior bag from a Korean American pastor in 2022, Choi defended Kim as her legal representative.
Some of those who defended former President Park Geun-hye during her impeachment trial between December 2016 and March 2017 have reportedly been asked to join, too. With investigations intensifying against Yoon, the team of his defense lawyers is expected to be launched soon.
All this suggests that Yoon is unlikely to step down voluntarily and “orderly” as some leaders in the ruling People Power Party (PPP) hope, including Chairman Han Dong-hoon.
Kim Jong-hyuk, member of the party’s Supreme Council, said in an SBS radio interview that Yoon seems to have decided not to resign unless he is forced to.
Citing officials at the presidential office, PPP Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae also said Yoon appears to have dismissed his resignation as a possible option.
It was also found that the first lady deleted her Telegram account in a move that reinforces the belief that the couple is preparing for their legal battle.
If that happens, it would be an unprecedented case, with a sitting president vigorously defending himself, unlike former President Park, who chose not to appear at her impeachment trial.
After political turmoil that ensued his declaration of martial law, Yoon apologized to the public on Saturday, saying that he “will not avoid” his legal and political responsibilities regarding the decision. Then, few expected it could mean he would fight for his case.