South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally charged with insurrection after his failed attempt to declare martial law in December, plunging the nation into a deep political crisis.
He is the first sitting president in South Korean history to face criminal charges.
The indictment follows a Seoul court’s refusal to extend his detention, forcing prosecutors to charge or release him before Monday. Opposition leaders hailed the move, with Democratic Party spokesman Han Min-soo stating, “The punishment of the ringleader of insurrection now begins.”
Yoon’s legal team denounced the charges, calling the investigation politically motivated. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though executions are rare in South Korea.
The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to officially remove or reinstate Yoon. Meanwhile, he is set to stand trial alongside former top military officials accused of aiding his attempt to seize power.
South Korea remains deeply divided, with tens of thousands protesting both for and against Yoon. If he is removed, a presidential election must be held within 60 days
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