Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached last month, has been charged with insurrection following his failed attempt to declare martial law in December. This unprecedented move plunged the nation into a severe political crisis, making Yoon the first sitting president in South Korean history to face criminal charges.
The indictment was announced after a Seoul court denied prosecutors’ request to extend Yoon’s detention, forcing them to decide whether to charge or release him. “The punishment of the ringleader of insurrection now begins finally,” said Han Min-soo, a spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Party, during a press conference.
Yoon’s legal team criticized the charges, calling the investigation politically motivated. “The prosecution has made a grave mistake, reducing itself to the indictment arm of the CIO and a tool of political interests,” his lawyers stated.
Insurrection is punishable by life imprisonment or death in South Korea, though the death penalty is unlikely as the country has not carried out executions in decades. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
Yoon’s trial will also include his former defense minister and senior military officials accused of aiding in his attempt to seize power. The dramatic events unfolded on December 3 when Yoon declared martial law in a televised announcement, citing a need to protect the nation from “anti-state” forces.
The military moved to suspend parliamentary activity and impose media controls, but opposition lawmakers, including some from Yoon’s own party, quickly voted to block the order. The declaration led to dramatic scenes, with armed soldiers entering the National Assembly and civilians gathering en masse to resist the military action.
Yoon was impeached on December 14 and has largely refused to cooperate with the investigation. The crisis has deeply divided the country, with large protests erupting from both supporters and opponents of the former president. Should Yoon be removed from office, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.
