South Korean prosecutors indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday, accusing him of being the “ringleader of an insurrection” following his failed attempt to declare martial law. This move had plunged the nation into political turmoil on December 3, when Yoon attempted to suspend civilian rule, which was swiftly opposed by lawmakers who voted against it, ultimately ending the martial law declaration after just six hours.
Yoon was impeached shortly after the incident, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. His arrest came after weeks of resistance at his residence, where his personal security detail tried to prevent his detention.
Prosecutors stated that they had decided to formally indict Yoon, who has been held in detention at the Seoul Detention Center since his arrest. The indictment means Yoon will remain behind bars until his trial, which is mandated to take place within six months.
The decision to keep Yoon detained was based on concerns over the potential destruction of evidence. Prosecutors emphasized that the charge of leading an insurrection is not covered by presidential immunity.
Yoon’s legal team strongly denied the insurrection charges, asserting that his declaration of martial law was not an act of insurrection. They expressed confidence that the truth would come out in court.
The indictment was welcomed by opposition members, who argued that not only those who attempted the insurrection should be held accountable, but also those who spread misinformation. Yoon had previously cited alleged election fraud and legislative gridlock in the opposition-controlled parliament as reasons for his martial law declaration.
Yoon’s supporters, echoing rhetoric similar to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “stop the steal” campaign, have backed his stance, despite his legal troubles. Meanwhile, experts have expressed that this legal action underscores the functioning of South Korea’s constitutional order.
In addition to facing criminal charges, Yoon is also awaiting a series of Constitutional Court hearings to determine whether his impeachment will be upheld, which could lead to his formal removal from office and trigger a new presidential election.
