Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s impeached president, was charged on Sunday with leading an insurrection after imposing martial law last month. Facing trial over allegations of being the “ringleader,” while sitting presidents are immune from prosecution unless accused of treason or insurrection.
Yoon’s defense denied the charges and criticized prosecutors as politically motivated. In a statement, his team claimed martial law was not an insurrection but merely a warning to oppositists. However, government officials testified that Yoon targeted political opponents for repression and used troops to block legislative action, far exceeding his claims.
The move triggered South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades, leading to Yoon’s impeachment on Dec. 14 and suspension from office. The Constitutional Court is considering removing him amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Yoon was arrested Jan. 18 for the first time while in office, with prosecutors seeking his indictment within 20 days. His Corruption Investigation Office has led the probe, but Yoon claims the investigation is improper.
The case continues to unfold as Yoon’s legal team and authorities navigate the political and legal complexities of his impeachment and martial law actions.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/26/south-korea-president-yoon-indicted