Yoon Suk Yeol Trial 2026: First Hearing on 'Benefiting the Enemy' Charges
On January 12, 2026, the first hearing for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 'benefiting the enemy' trial began. Explore the link between the 2024 drones and his failed martial law bid.
Behind closed doors, a trial that could redefine South Korean legal history has begun. On January 12, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces charges of 'benefiting the enemy.' The case centers on a controversial drone dispatch to Pyongyang in 2024, raising questions about whether it was a military operation or a political setup.
Yoon Suk Yeol Trial 2026: The Drone-Martial Law Connection
According to Yonhap News, the hearing was conducted in private due to the sensitive nature of state secrets. Yoon appeared alongside former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Yeo In-hyung, the former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command. The prosecution alleges they orchestrated a drone flight to North Korea's capital in October 2024 to incite a retaliation.
Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk claims this provocation was designed to create a pretext for the martial law declaration that followed two months later in December. The 'benefiting the enemy' charge specifically cites the leak of military secrets that occurred when the drones allegedly crashed near Pyongyang.
Legal Battle Over National Security and Insurrection
The defense team has consistently denied these allegations. In previous statements, Yoon maintained that no drones were sent to justify a state of emergency. As the trial progresses, the court will decide on a session-by-session basis whether to remain closed to the public, citing the involvement of classified intelligence.
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