S Korean president charged with insurrection over martial law attempt

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection following his failed attempt to declare martial law in December.

His attempt to impose military rule led to an unprecedented political crisis, making him the first sitting president in South Korean history to face criminal charges.

The indictment follows a Seoul court's decision to deny a request to extend Yoon's detention on Saturday, forcing prosecutors to decide whether to charge or release him before Monday.

"The punishment of the ringleader of insurrection begins now," said Han Min-soo, a spokesman for the opposition Democratic Party, during a press conference.

Fear, Fury, and Triumph: Six Hours That Shook South Korea

The Constitutional Court has begun deliberations on whether to formally remove President Yoon from office or restore him.

Yoon, who has been impeached, has largely resisted cooperating with the criminal investigation into his martial law declaration.

The president is set to face trial alongside his former defense minister and senior military leaders, who are accused of aiding him in his attempt to consolidate absolute power.

In an unprecedented televised statement on December 3, Yoon declared martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect South Korea from "anti-state" elements sympathetic to North Korea.

At that time, Yoon was facing a deadlock over a budget bill, plagued by corruption scandals, and several of his cabinet members were under investigation.

The military swiftly announced a suspension of all parliamentary activities and sought to impose controls on the media.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party called for protests at the National Assembly and urged lawmakers to immediately vote to rescind the martial law order.

Within two hours of Yoon’s declaration, 190 lawmakers—including some from his own party—unanimously voted to block it.

Amidst the tension, soldiers armed with rifles were seen entering the parliament building through shattered windows, sparking a dramatic confrontation. Thousands of civilians gathered outside the assembly in an attempt to block the soldiers.

On December 14, Yoon was impeached by parliament and suspended from his duties.

The crisis has ignited South Korea’s most severe political turmoil in decades, further deepening the country's divisions.

Many of Yoon's fervent supporters have rallied behind him. On Friday, tens of thousands gathered to demand his release and restoration to office.

Should Yoon be permanently removed from office, a presidential election would be held within 60 days.

The prosecutors’ office has not yet responded to requests for comment.