South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has made history by becoming the first leader of the country to be indicted, following his recent detention. The impeached president now faces rebellion charges that carry severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. This development has further exacerbated the political turmoil in South Korea and deepened societal divisions.
Yoon's legal troubles do not end with the rebellion charges. Another legal proceeding will determine whether he will be formally dismissed as president or reinstated. The upcoming court hearings are expected to last approximately six months, during which Yoon will remain in jail.
Prosecutors allege that Yoon orchestrated a rebellion by imposing martial law on December 3. While the president typically enjoys immunity from most criminal prosecutions, charges of rebellion and treason are exceptions to this rule. Several high-ranking officials, including Yoon's defense minister and police chief, have already been arrested and indicted in connection with the martial law decree.
Meanwhile, protests from both pro and anti-Yoon factions are likely to persist in downtown Seoul. Recent violent clashes between Yoon's supporters and law enforcement resulted in injuries to multiple police officers and the detention of protesters.
In addition to the rebellion trial, Yoon faces a separate legal challenge at the Constitutional Court. The court has until June to decide whether to dismiss or reinstate him as president, with observers anticipating an earlier ruling. If Yoon is removed from office, a presidential by-election must be held within two months.
Both the governing conservative People Power Party and the main opposition liberal Democratic Party have reacted strongly to Yoon's indictment. The People Power Party has criticized the prosecutors for what they deem a wrongful indictment, while Yoon's defense team has accused them of bias. The Democratic Party views the indictment as the beginning of holding Yoon accountable for his actions.
Yoon maintains his innocence, claiming that his declaration of martial law was a necessary measure to address perceived threats from the National Assembly. Despite his assertions, the assembly unanimously rejected his decree, leading to its swift revocation after a brief six-hour imposition.
The events surrounding Yoon's indictment and detention have reignited memories of past military-backed regimes in South Korea, which frequently resorted to martial law to suppress dissent.
