Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Indicted for Insurrection Over Martial Law Attempt

Jan 26, 2025, 12:30 PM

South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading an insurrection following his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that a sitting president has been criminally charged and will stand trial while in office. Yoon, who was arrested and detained on January 15, 2025, is accused of being the 'ringleader of an insurrection' that plunged the nation into political turmoil. His defense team argues that his detention period expired on January 25 and has called for his immediate release. However, prosecutors proceeded with the indictment on January 26, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under South Korean law. The Constitutional Court is also set to proceed with his impeachment trial concurrently with the criminal proceedings.