(LEAD) Ex-President Yoon acquitted of perjury in appellate trial

The Seoul High Court is set to announce its decision on Wednesday regarding charges that former President Yoon Suk Yeol lied while testifying at the trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to prosecutors. The court previously acquitted Yoon of the perjury charge in May but is now preparing to deliver a ruling. The allegations stem from a statement Yoon made in November claiming he had planned to convene a Cabinet meeting prior to declaring martial law on December 3, 2024.

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's office has charged Yoon with perjury, arguing that his statement was based on Han's suggestion to lend credibility to the martial law declaration. In May, the lower court sided with Yoon, asserting that he appeared to have intended to hold the meeting independently of Han's prompting. During the appellate proceedings, the special counsel has requested a fine of 10 million won ($7,332) against Yoon.

Former President Yoon is currently facing multiple trials following his failed attempt to impose martial law and his subsequent removal from office. In February, a district court sentenced him to life imprisonment.