Seoul Western District Court, July 4, 2025 – Prosecutors have sought a four-year prison sentence for Yoon Mo (56, in custody), a special missionary of Sarang Jeil Church, who was indicted on charges including special building trespass for his involvement in a riot at the Seoul Western District Court last January. The prosecution emphasized the need for a severe sentence, pointing to Yoon's poor conduct and disrespectful attitude.
During Yoon's sentencing hearing, presided over by Senior Judge Park Ji-won of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 1, the prosecution stated, "Despite numerous police officers being injured, the defendant is not reflecting and is instead shifting blame, claiming 'the police stood by.'" This suggests that Yoon's behavior during the trial influenced the requested sentence.
Yoon, known as a special missionary for Sarang Jeil Church led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, is accused of trespassing on the Western District Court, obstructing police duties, and damaging the courthouse entrance shutter on January 19, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk-yeol. He is also suspected of instigating the riot, having reportedly made inflammatory remarks like "Let's push our way in" to demonstrators who moved to the courthouse after a Gwanghwamun rally the day before the incident.
Yoon's lawyer, in the final arguments, pleaded for leniency, stating, "It was merely an accidental wrong choice made by an agitated crowd, not a plan or conspiracy by a specific force." The defense also requested consideration of Yoon's personal circumstances, noting that his family has faced severe financial hardship since his arrest. However, despite these arguments, the prosecution appears to have deemed Yoon's actions a serious crime that undermines the rule of law.
Severe Sentences Sought for Accomplices as Well, Signaling Strict Punishment for Riot Participants
In connection with the Western District Court riot, prosecutors have sought heavy sentences for numerous other participants besides Yoon, demonstrating a firm commitment to strict punishment for riot-related acts. Notably, Ok Mo (22), who was indicted on charges including special building trespass for storming the courthouse wearing a black balaclava, throwing a fire extinguisher at a glass door, and damaging the civil petition desk, also received a four-year prison request, the same as Yoon. This indicates that those who led or actively participated in illegal acts of violence may face even harsher penalties.
Additionally, the prosecution requested the court sentence two other individuals involved in the riot to three years and six months, and two years and six months, respectively. This shows that the incident has been classified as a violent criminal act beyond a simple protest. The Western District Court riot caused serious injuries to police officers at the scene and resulted in extensive damage to court facilities.
Firm Message Against Undermining Judicial Authority
The prosecution's demand for severe sentences is interpreted as a resolute message to firmly respond to actions considered a challenge to the authority of the judiciary and public power, beyond mere court trespassing. In particular, the act of demonstrators storming a public institution like the courthouse and engaging in violent acts is seen as undermining the foundation of the rule of law. As the court's future ruling is highly anticipated, the sentencing for Yoon and three others is scheduled for next month on the 1st. This verdict is expected to set an important precedent for similar illegal protests and violent incidents in the future. This is a time when the judiciary's strict judgment on acts causing social chaos and infringing upon public authority is required.
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