⚖️ Court Grants Yoon Suk-yeol Access Through Underground Parking Amid Trial Controversies

Amidst upcoming criminal trials on charges of insurrection, former President Yoon Suk-yeol has been granted access to court premises via the underground parking garage. This decision, approved by the court, follows a request from the Presidential Security Service to ensure Yoon’s entry to the courthouse through the underground route.

The Seoul High Court, responsible for the security of the Seoul Court Complex in Seocho-dong, announced on November 11th that it would permit Yoon’s vehicle to enter and exit through the court’s underground parking lot for his criminal trial scheduled for November 14th.

This arrangement is likely to keep Yoon out of public view upon arrival. A court official explained that Yoon would proceed through an internal passage and use an elevator to reach the courtroom, minimizing contact with the general public.

The decision is attributed to heightened security concerns surrounding Yoon’s trial following the impeachment decision on November 4th. It also aims to prevent potential clashes with individuals involved in cases that occurred during Yoon’s presidency.

However, the court plans to review whether to continue granting access through the underground parking garage for subsequent trials after the initial hearing on November 14th.

Controversies Arise Over Perceived Privileges

Despite the court’s explanation that this measure is for building security rather than a special privilege, criticisms have emerged, suggesting preferential treatment compared to other criminal defendants.

곽준호, a lawyer specializing in criminal cases, noted that granting underground access is rare for general defendants, implying that the decision, while possibly influenced by security concerns, provides Yoon with distinct advantages.

Historical Context and Security Measures

Historically, former presidents facing trial have not been granted underground access. For instance, Park Geun-hye entered the court through the ground entrance after her impeachment in 2017. In response, court officials differentiated Park’s case as she was detained, unlike the non-detained Yoon.

Similarly, Lee Myung-bak, after being released on bail, used the ground entrance, walking approximately 30 meters into the court building.

Additional security measures include a ban on general vehicle access to the court premises from 8 PM on November 13th to midnight on November 14th, with exceptions for essential vehicles. Some entrances will be closed, and security checks will be intensified. Demonstrations and unauthorized photography are prohibited within the court premises.

Note: The term “impeachment” refers to a process where a legislative body formally levels charges against a high-ranking official, which may lead to their removal from office.