South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted former President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of rebellion, following a recommendation last week by the country’s anti-corruption agency. The indictment stems from Yoon’s controversial actions in December 2024, when he imposed a brief martial law across the country, which was swiftly revoked within hours after facing fierce opposition from political parties and the public.
The decision to impose martial law was widely criticized, sparking widespread protests and outrage among South Koreans. In response, opposition parties moved forward with impeachment proceedings against Yoon. The first attempt to remove him from office failed, but a second motion succeeded in passing through Parliament, intensifying the legal scrutiny against the former president.
The investigation into Yoon’s actions, which includes allegations of rebellion and abuse of power, has been underway for several weeks. Authorities recently took the unprecedented step of arresting Yoon, signaling the seriousness of the charges against him. The case has brought the issue of executive overreach to the forefront of South Korea’s political discourse.
As investigations continue, the South Korean public remains divided, with some viewing the actions as an overreaction by the opposition, while others see it as a necessary check on presidential power. The outcome of this legal battle is expected to have significant implications for South Korean politics in the months ahead.
