Seoul, January 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of rebellion over his controversial martial law decree, a criminal offense punishable by death or life imprisonment. This unprecedented indictment marks the first time a sitting president in South Korea has faced such charges.
Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law plunged the nation into political chaos, leading to his impeachment and arrest. The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
Yoon remains in detention and will be escorted to court for trial proceedings expected to last six months. His defense team condemned the indictment, calling it “the worst decision” by prosecutors under alleged political influence.
“Today’s indictment of the president will remain a stain on South Korean prosecutorial history,” Yoon’s legal representatives said in a statement, defending his actions as legitimate governance rather than rebellion.
The Martial Law Controversy
Yoon imposed martial law, deploying troops and police to the National Assembly, which he accused of obstructing his agenda. Referring to the assembly as “a den of criminals,” Yoon justified his actions as necessary to combat what he described as anti-state forces and North Korea sympathizers.
However, the assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree within hours, forcing its withdrawal. Experts argue that Yoon’s justification lacked merit, as South Korea was not facing conditions warranting such extreme measures.
Legal and Political Implications
South Korea’s constitution permits martial law in emergencies like war, but many experts view Yoon’s actions as an abuse of power. Prosecutors allege his martial law declaration aimed to undermine the constitution and constituted rebellion.
Yoon has denied the allegations, maintaining that the deployment of security forces was to ensure order and not to disrupt assembly proceedings. However, testimonies from military commanders suggest he ordered troops to prevent lawmakers from overturning his decree.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials initially led the investigation, but Yoon refused to cooperate, arguing it lacked jurisdiction over rebellion charges. The case was transferred to the Seoul prosecutors’ office, which ultimately indicted Yoon solely on rebellion, citing his presidential immunity from other charges.
Rising Tensions and Public Reaction
The martial law episode has deepened political divides, with rival protests escalating in downtown Seoul. Following a local court’s decision to extend Yoon’s detention on January 19, clashes between his supporters and law enforcement left 17 police officers injured.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and several military commanders have already been arrested on related charges.
Potential Outcomes
If the Constitutional Court formally removes Yoon from office, a national election to choose his successor must occur within two months. Public opinion surveys suggest a close race between governing and opposition party candidates in the event of a by-election.
The trial and court rulings in the coming months are set to shape South Korea’s political landscape and could leave a lasting impact on the nation’s democratic institutions.