Following his impeachment and arrest after imposing martial law, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol now faces formal indictment.
South Korean prosecutors have formally charged President Yoon Suk Yeol with instigating an insurrection during his brief declaration of martial law last month, according to Sunday news reports. Impeached on December 14th, Yoon is accused of abusing his power and undermining democratic processes.
On December 3rd, Yoon declared a state of emergency, alleging an opposition plot to overthrow the government and accusing them of North Korean sympathies. This controversial action was swiftly overturned, leading to his impeachment by the National Assembly. His January 15th arrest triggered violent protests from supporters who stormed the Seoul Western District Court.
“After a thorough review of evidence from related investigations… and evidence from police referrals, we concluded that indicting [Yoon] was justified,” the prosecution stated, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Prosecutors indicted Yoon without further investigation, citing sufficient existing evidence and concerns about potential evidence tampering. They allege the martial law decree was part of a larger scheme to seize governmental control.
Insurrection is one of the few charges exempting South Korean presidents from immunity. A conviction could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Yoon’s legal team refutes the charges as politically motivated, characterizing the martial law declaration as a necessary response to legislative gridlock and opposition-led impeachment attempts against his cabinet. Remaining in custody, Yoon has pledged to “fight alongside” his supporters “to the very end to protect this nation.”
The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing Yoon’s permanent removal from office, with a decision due within 180 days. His presidential powers are suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is acting president.
Yoon is the first South Korean president to face criminal charges while in office.