South Korea’s Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Indicted Over Martial Law Abuse

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally indicted on new charges related to his controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024, according to local media reports on Saturday.

Prosecutors allege that Yoon abused his authority by bypassing cabinet procedures, retroactively drafting the martial law declaration, and deleting official records tied to the decision. He is currently facing trial for insurrection and remains in custody at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang.

The 64-year-old was arrested earlier this month after a Seoul court approved a warrant citing concerns over potential evidence tampering. He had previously been released in March after a January arrest was overturned by a higher court.

Yoon’s political downfall began when he was impeached in December 2024 by the National Assembly. His impeachment was upheld in April 2025 by the Constitutional Court, formally removing him from office.

Following a snap election in June, newly elected President Lee Jae Myung swiftly signed legislation authorizing new investigations into Yoon’s declaration of martial law—one of the most controversial moves in modern South Korean politics.

If convicted, Yoon could face a lengthy prison term for his role in what critics have   as a direct attack on democratic governance in the country.