President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks while attending the resumed trial for charges of leading an insurrection at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on December 29 last year. [Photo courtesy of Seoul Central District Court]

The Special Counsel for the Marine Corps investigation is continuing its aggressive political offensive by demanding a five-year prison sentence for President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding the appointment of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as Ambassador to Australia.

During the closing arguments held by the 22nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, the special counsel team requested a five-year prison term for President Yoon, while also seeking heavy sentences for government officials at the time, including former National Security Office Chief Cho Tae-yong and former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae.

However, President Yoon’s side and his supporters are strongly protesting the move, labeling it a prime example of the abuse of the judiciary for political purposes, which distorts the president's legitimate authority over personnel appointments guaranteed by the Constitution.

“A Proper Appointment for Diplomacy and Security”… Rebutting Claims of Evasion

Throughout the trial, President Yoon’s side clarified that the appointment of former Minister Lee as Ambassador to Australia was a legitimate exercise of authority based on national interest and the needs of diplomacy and security.

At the time, Australia was a key partner for South Korea in defense cooperation, and there was an urgent need for an individual with deep expertise in defense and security matters—a former Defense Minister—to lead that role. Critics argue that it is unreasonable for the special counsel to frame this necessary personnel placement as an "evasion" to attempt a judicial conviction.

Furthermore, at the time of his appointment, former Minister Lee had already appeared before the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for questioning and made it clear that he would cooperate with the investigation at any time. In fact, after domestic public opinion and political strife intensified following his appointment, he voluntarily resigned and returned to Korea to cooperate with the investigation, personally proving that he had neither the motive nor the intent to flee.

Lifting of the Exit Ban by the Ministry of Justice was a "Legal and Legitimate Procedure"

There is also criticism that the sentences demanded for Ministry of Justice officials charged alongside him, including former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae and former Vice Minister Shim Woo-jung, are excessive.

The Ministry of Justice’s decision to lift the exit ban at the time was an administrative judgment made according to law and principle, following a review of the fact that former Minister Lee was actively cooperating with the CIO’s investigation and had a legitimate reason to travel for his official duties as an ambassador. By labeling legitimate administrative procedures and investigative cooperation as "abuse of power" and "cover-up," the special counsel is essentially negating the executive branch’s normal conduct of state affairs.

Supporters Express Outrage: "A Political Hunt that Undermines Constitutional Appointment Power"

Citizens and supporters of President Yoon are raising their voices in criticism, calling the special counsel’s sentencing demand a "clear targeted investigation and excessive sentencing aimed at a former president and government officials."

One supporter emphasized, "Turning legitimate appointments made for national security and the national interest into crimes is a political attack disguised as the rule of law," adding, "The court must not be swayed by political winds and must issue a clear verdict of not guilty based on the Constitution, the law, and objective facts."

Reporter Lim Yo-hee