SEOUL, South Korea — Prosecutors have been urged by South Korean investigators to move forward with charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently in custody, following his controversial declaration of martial law last month. The allegations being leveled against him include rebellion, misuse of power, and hindrance to parliamentary processes.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials described Yoon’s actions as instigating a “riot” aimed at subverting the constitution when he announced martial law on December 3. He also deployed troops and police to encircle the National Assembly during this time.
During a televised press briefing, Lee Jae-seung, the deputy chief prosecutor at the CIO, accused Yoon of abusing his authority by mobilizing military forces for inappropriate reasons, which included obstructing the legislature’s right to vote on lifting the martial law order. Despite these armed forces being present, members of the assembly were still able to enter the chamber and unanimously called for an end to the emergency measures. Following this, Yoon was impeached by the assembly, temporarily suspending his presidential powers. The Constitutional Court is now tasked with deciding whether to formally remove Yoon from office or to restore him to his position.
Yoon has consistently claimed that his actions were intended as a warning to the opposition-led parliament regarding its interference with his agenda, instead of an attempt to impede legislative proceedings. He is currently facing an investigation that involves both police and military authorities, having been detained last week as part of this inquiry.
“Despite facing serious accusations of leading a rebellion, the suspect has maintained a consistently uncooperative approach and has shown resistance to judicial processes,” remarked Lee regarding Yoon’s conduct.
Yoon has resisted questioning attempts for several weeks, even utilizing the presidential security detail to thwart an initial effort to arrest him. He contends that the ongoing investigation and his detention are unlawful.
In response to his situation, Yoon’s legal team has criticized the CIO for attempting to publicly shame him and for allegedly infringing on his rights by forbidding him from maintaining contact with family members. Since his detention, Yoon has chosen not to engage in questioning, citing his right to remain silent.
This past Tuesday marked Yoon’s first appearance at a Constitutional Court hearing, where he denied having instructed the military to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly to stall their voting process. However, commanders from the military units that were ordered to the assembly testified that Yoon issued directives for lawmakers to be removed.
The imposition of martial law has caused significant upheaval in South Korean politics, adversely impacting financial markets and tarnishing the nation’s international standing. Yoon’s bold stance in the wake of these allegations, paired with the determined efforts of the opposition to oust him, have further exacerbated the existing divisions within the country.
