South Korean President Indicted On Rebellion Charges

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a rally to oppose his impeachment in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of rebellion in connection with his imposition of martial law, a move that could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. This indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against Yoon, who was previously impeached and arrested following the martial law decree he issued on December 3.

The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to formally dismiss Yoon as president or reinstate him, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Yoon is the first South Korean president to be indicted while in office, and he will remain in custody throughout the trial process, which is expected to last approximately six months.

Prosecutors have accused Yoon of directing a rebellion by imposing martial law, alleging that his actions were aimed at undermining the constitution. Yoon's defense team has vehemently denied these charges, criticizing the indictment as a politically motivated decision by prosecutors.

First South Korean president indicted while in office.

Yoon Suk Yeol indicted for rebellion in South Korea.

Constitutional Court deciding on Yoon's dismissal or reinstatement.

Yoon remains in custody throughout the trial process.

Accused of directing rebellion by imposing martial law.

Yoon's defense team denies charges as politically motivated.

Martial law imposition sparked protests and controversy.

Yoon, a conservative leader, has maintained his innocence, portraying his declaration of martial law as a necessary measure to address what he perceived as obstruction from the liberal-controlled National Assembly. Despite his assertions, Yoon's deployment of troops and police to the assembly sparked widespread controversy and drew parallels to past authoritarian regimes in South Korea.

The imposition of martial law, which lasted only six hours, triggered protests and heightened tensions within the country. Yoon's subsequent arrest and the intensification of investigations have further polarized public opinion, leading to clashes between his supporters and law enforcement authorities.

If the Constitutional Court decides to remove Yoon from office, a national election will be held within two months to select his successor. Recent polls suggest a tight race between candidates from both the governing and opposition parties, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding South Korea's political landscape.