South Korea’s Seoul High Court on September 16 upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s acquittal on perjury charges stemming from testimony he gave during the trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo over the 2024 martial law crisis.


The appeals court upheld a lower court ruling issued in May, finding that special counsel prosecutors had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Yoon had lied when describing his intentions before martial law was declared, Calber.Az reports via Korean media.


Yoon was charged over testimony he gave during Han’s trial in November 2025. Asked whether he had believed from the outset that enough Cabinet members should be summoned for a meeting, Yoon replied, “Yes,” adding that he knew a Cabinet meeting was required before martial law could be publicly declared.


Special counsel prosecutors alleged that Yoon initially summoned only six Cabinet members and sought to bring in additional members only after Han suggested holding a meeting, in an effort to give the martial law declaration the appearance of legality.


The Seoul High Court said Yoon’s testimony concerned his own intentions and could therefore be examined under the law governing perjury. However, it found insufficient evidence that his account was false or inconsistent with what he remembered.


The court also said it was difficult to believe that Yoon, given his position and experience, did not know that Cabinet deliberation was required before martial law could be declared. It cited testimony from former Cabinet members and a document prepared in advance for then-Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.


The Seoul Central District Court acquitted Yoon in May on similar grounds. Special counsel prosecutors appealed the ruling and sought a fine of 10 million won ($7,300).


The perjury case is separate from Yoon’s broader legal proceedings over his decision to impose martial law in 2024. In February, a South Korean court sentenced him to life imprisonment in connection with the martial law episode, and the appeal process is currently underway.


By Sabina Mammadli