Fmr. President Yoon's legal team goes head-to-head with key witness at second criminal trial hearing

The second criminal trial hearing of former President Yoon Suk Yeol took place on Monday, this time with footage of the former leader in the defendant's seat made public.

Moon Hye-ryeon tells us more.

A dark navy suit paired with a red tie — this is what former President Yoon Suk Yeol wore to the second hearing of his criminal trial on Monday.

In the first footage made available to the public since his trial began, he was seen entering the courtroom and taking his seat at the defendant’s bench with his lips tightly closed, ignoring the press cameras flashing around him.

The media were required to leave before proceedings officially began.

Previously, the court did not allow the media to film in the courtroom, explaining that the request came in too late for the appropriate judicial procedures to be followed.

At today’s trial, Yoon’s legal team cross-examined Cho Sung-hyun from the army’s capital defense command, who had been summoned as a key witness by the prosecution.

During the first hearing last week, Cho testified that he received a direct order from his superior to enter the National Assembly and remove lawmakers on the night of the martial law order declaration last December.

Yoon’s legal team questioned the feasibility of such an order before challenging the credibility of his testimony by highlighting inconsistencies between his statements across different legal proceedings.

Throughout the session, the defense continued to warn Cho that false testimony could result in legal consequences and demanded that he “speak accurately.”

The exchange escalated when Cho, frustrated by repeated questioning, appealed directly to the bench — which was acknowledged by the judge.

To secure a conviction on charges of insurrection, prosecutors must prove that Yoon deliberately sought to overthrow the constitutional order by mobilizing the military.

If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment — or even the death penalty.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.