South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of rebellion linked to his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2022. This unprecedented move, lasting merely six hours, plunged the nation into political unrest and raised alarms about its democratic foundations. Yoon faces severe penalties if convicted, including potential life imprisonment or the death penalty, marking a significant turning point as he becomes South Korea’s first sitting president to be indicted.
The Constitutional Court is currently weighing whether to formally dismiss Yoon from office. Although he has insisted his actions were necessary to safeguard public order against a hostile National Assembly, opposition and legal experts argue that no such emergency existed. Investigations against him have intensified societal divisions, leading to regular protests in Seoul from rival factions.
Yoon’s defence team has denounced the indictment, claiming it is politically motivated. Meanwhile, his close associates, including military leaders, have already faced arrest for related abuses of power. Should the court decide to oust Yoon, a national election would ensue within two months, reflecting a tumultuous political landscape as public opinion remains sharply divided on potential successors.