South Korean President Faces Indictment for Alleged Insurrection Following Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on Sunday on charges of leading an insurrection over his imposition of martial law, the main opposition party said.

Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, claiming he would eradicate “pro-North Korean anti-state forces.” He said he had no choice but to resort to such a measure in order to safeguard free and constitutional order, saying opposition parties have taken hostage of the parliamentary process to throw the country into a crisis.

About six hours after Yoon’s martial law declaration, South Korean lawmakers voted down the decree and Yoon rescinded his martial law.

Yoon was impeached by parliament and suspended from his duties on Dec. 14. Anti-corruption investigators last week recommended charging him.

Yoon has been in solitary confinement since he was arrested on Jan. 15.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This is a developing story.