In a historic turn of events for South Korea, impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on charges of insurrection following his unsuccessful attempt to declare martial law last December. This marks a significant moment as he is the first sitting president in South Korean history to face criminal charges.
The indictment came shortly after a Seoul court denied a request to extend Yoon’s detention. This ruling prompted prosecutors to act swiftly, leading to the decision to charge him rather than release him before the upcoming deadline.
“The punishment of the ringleader of insurrection now begins finally,” said Han Min-soo, a spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Party, during a press conference.
Martial law declaration triggers political turmoil
In a dramatic televised announcement made on December 3, Yoon claimed he was invoking martial law to safeguard the nation from “anti-state” elements allegedly aligned with North Korea. This decision came at a tumultuous time, as Yoon was grappling with a budget bill impasse and facing corruption investigations involving several cabinet members.
In his attempt to seize control, the military announced the suspension of all parliamentary activities and sought to impose restrictions on media outlets. However, this declaration was met with immediate resistance, as the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, called for protests at the National Assembly and urged his colleagues to swiftly vote against Yoon’s order.
Within hours of Yoon’s announcement, a group of 190 lawmakers, including several from his own party, convened and voted unanimously to counter the martial law declaration. Tensions escalated dramatically as soldiers armed with rifles were seen entering the parliament through shattered windows, leading to confrontations with citizens who rallied outside the assembly in an attempt to block the military’s advance.
Ongoing investigations and potential consequences
Following the chaos, Yoon was impeached by parliament and suspended from his responsibilities on December 14. The events surrounding his attempted martial law have incited the most severe political crisis in decades, creating a deeply polarized atmosphere within the nation.
Despite the serious allegations, Yoon has largely remained uncooperative with the ongoing criminal investigation, which also implicates his former defense minister and senior military officials who are accused of aiding his efforts to seize absolute power.
As Yoon’s legal troubles unfold, tens of thousands of his staunch supporters have taken to the streets, demanding his release and reinstatement as president. Should he ultimately be removed from office, South Korea would be required to hold a presidential election within a 60-day period.
The prosecutors’ office has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the case.