Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Acquitted of Perjury

A Seoul court has acquitted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of perjury charges related to his testimony at the trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo. The Seoul Central District Court said it was difficult to prove Yoon’s statements were contrary to his memory and noted a “high” likelihood that he would have convened the cabinet meeting regardless of Han’s suggestion.

Special counsel Cho Eun‑suk had sought a two‑year prison term, arguing Yoon lied to make a pre‑martial‑law cabinet meeting appear lawful. Yoon, who has been detained since July and faces eight separate cases—including a life sentence for leading an attempted martial‑law insurrection—was found not guilty of giving false testimony.

The ruling follows Yoon’s earlier conviction in February for insurrection and related corruption investigations involving his wife and a 2023 Marine death.