South Korean Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Charged with Insurrection

South Korea's impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol faces charges of insurrection after attempting to declare martial law in December, a move that sent the nation into a political crisis. This marks the first time in South Korean history that a sitting president has been charged with a crime.

The indictment follows the court’s decision on Saturday not to extend Yoon’s detention, forcing prosecutors to act before Monday's deadline. A spokesman from the opposition Democratic Party commented, "The punishment for the ringleader of this insurrection finally begins."

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives for trial

Yoon’s legal team has denounced the charges, calling the prosecution a politically motivated tool and accusing it of unlawful actions. They vowed to expose any illegalities in the investigation.

Under South Korean law, insurrection can be punished with life imprisonment or death, although the latter is unlikely, as executions have not been carried out in the country for decades. In addition to the criminal charges, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office.

Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with the investigation has drawn criticism, while the legal proceedings will also involve his former defense minister and senior military officials, who are accused of aiding him in attempting to seize total control of the government.

The controversy began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect South Korea from anti-state forces sympathetic to North Korea. The announcement came during a deadlock over a budget bill, amidst ongoing corruption investigations involving several of his ministers. The declaration led to dramatic clashes with lawmakers, who swiftly voted to block it, and military forces were seen entering the parliament.

Yoon was impeached on December 14 and suspended from office. The incident has divided the nation, with his staunch supporters holding mass protests, demanding his reinstatement. If Yoon is formally removed from office, a presidential election will be held within 60 days.

The prosecutors' office has yet to comment on the case.