South Korea’s president charged with insurrection over declaration of martial law

South Korean prosecutors have charged suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol with insurrection following his brief declaration of martial law.

In early December, Yoon tried to impose martial law, sparking political unrest and reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian history. He defended the move by claiming the main opposition party was sympathetic to North Korea and involved in anti-state activities, but it was quickly rejected by parliament.

Yoon, who denies any wrongdoing, was subsequently voted for impeachment by parliament and has been in custody since his arrest last week.

Prosecutors announced charges on Sunday evening, making Yoon the first sitting president in South Korea's history to be indicted.

In their statement, prosecutors emphasized that there was no reason to reconsider the arrest warrant against the president, citing "sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges" based on their investigation.

During parliamentary hearings, Yoon's commanders testified that they received direct orders to forcibly enter parliament and "drag out" lawmakers. Yoon, however, has denied giving such orders.

Additionally, after declaring martial law, Yoon allegedly told Hong Jang-won, the first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, to seize the opportunity to "arrest" 14 political and legal figures, including the opposition leader, and "clean everything up."

Yoon reportedly stated that he would grant the intelligence service the authority to conduct a counter-intelligence investigation, promising to back it with unlimited funds and personnel.

Lawmakers who were briefed on the conversation initially shared the details with reporters, and Hong later confirmed to CNN that the information was accurate.

This decision marks the latest twist in the ongoing political drama that began with the president's martial law declaration.

The embattled president had been barricaded in his heavily fortified residence for weeks, shielded by his Presidential Security Service team, prior to his arrest.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol has been indicted on charges of insurrection following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024. Yoon's attempt to impose martial law sparked political chaos and reminded many of the country's authoritarian past. He justified the move by accusing the opposition party of supporting North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities. However, the declaration was quickly overturned by parliament, and Yoon was impeached and arrested last week.

This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president has been indicted. Prosecutors have announced that there is enough evidence to support the charges against Yoon, despite his denial of any wrongdoing. During parliamentary hearings, it was revealed that Yoon allegedly ordered his commanders to break into parliament and drag out lawmakers. Additionally, he reportedly instructed the deputy director of the National Intelligence Service to arrest a list of political figures, including the opposition leader, and provide full support for a counter-intelligence operation.

Yoon’s legal team has denied the charges, claiming that the martial law declaration does not constitute an act of insurrection. His party also dismissed the indictment, labeling the investigation as illegal. The president, who has been holed up in his residence surrounded by security forces, has refused to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.