Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was indicted on charges of perjury during the treason trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, faces a demand for a 10 million won fine in his appellate trial.

During the sentencing hearing for Yoon's perjury case held by the 1st Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Yoon Sung-sik) today, the special counsel team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok requested that the court "overturn the lower court's acquittal and sentence him to a fine of 10 million won along with an order for provisional payment."

The special counsel team explained, "The defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial on charges of being a ringleader of an insurrection and 30 years in prison for trading with the enemy, with appeals currently ongoing, and was recently given a finalized prison sentence of 7 years for charges including special obstruction of official duties," adding, "We decided to seek a fine taking into consideration the practical enforceability of the sentence."

Yoon is accused of committing perjury during Han's trial in November of last year when, in response to the court's question asking, "Did you think from the beginning that you needed to call the necessary people for a cabinet meeting?", he answered, "Yes. Since the declaration of martial law was being announced to the entire world, I naturally knew that a cabinet meeting was necessary."

The special counsel team believes that Yoon initially had no intention of holding a cabinet meeting and only called 6 cabinet ministers, but upon hearing suggestions from Han, additionally summoned 6 more individuals—including former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok—to meet the quorum for the cabinet meeting.

Consequently, the prosecution determined that his claim of intending to summon those necessary for the cabinet meeting even before Han's suggestion constituted a false statement contrary to his actual recollection.

However, the first trial in May acquitted Yoon, ruling that it appeared he had plans to additionally summon the cabinet ministers regardless of Han's suggestions.