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South Korean Investigators Recommend Charges Against President Yoon for Insurrection and Abuse of Power

- Investigators recommend charging Yoon with insurrection and abuse of power.
- Yoon’s failed martial law attempt led to his impeachment.
- The Constitutional Court will decide on Yoon’s presidency.
South Korean investigators have recommended that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol be charged with insurrection and abuse of power following his attempt to declare martial law in December.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) completed a 51-day probe into the events surrounding Yoon’s controversial declaration, which led to political chaos and his eventual impeachment.
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The CIO accused Yoon of “leading an insurrection” and conspiring with his former defense minister and military commanders to disrupt the constitutional order.
The investigation concluded that Yoon sought to suspend civilian rule, causing significant unrest and attempting to undermine state authority. In particular, the office claims Yoon’s actions on December 3, ordering martial law in an effort to quash opposition to his government, intended to “incite riots” and weaken South Korea’s democratic institutions.
As the case now moves to prosecutors, they have 11 days to determine whether to pursue criminal charges, which could result in a trial.
The investigation also revealed that, during the inquiry, Yoon had been uncooperative, refusing to answer questions and obstructing key searches, including access to classified communication devices.
Deputy CIO chief Lee Jae-seung commented that Yoon’s resistance made it more efficient for prosecutors to take over the case.
Yoon’s legal team has insisted that any investigation should follow legal protocols and due process, calling for a fair and transparent approach.
Meanwhile, the president remains in detention while facing a separate hearing at the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold his impeachment and permanently remove him from office.
If the court rules against Yoon, elections would be held within 60 days to elect a new president.
The controversy began on December 3, when Yoon attempted to declare martial law by ordering military forces to block the National Assembly’s vote to reject his decree.
His decision lasted only six hours after opposition lawmakers voted it down, with lawmakers quickly impeaching him, stripping him of his presidential duties.
Yoon, who appeared in court on Thursday, claimed the brief martial law declaration was not a failure, but a plan that “ended sooner than expected.” He also defended his actions by suggesting that former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun had reluctantly presented him with the martial law proposal, which he found legally flawed.
Kim, who resigned after the martial law incident, confirmed the decision was not his first choice but agreed it was necessary under the circumstances.
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Yoon’s direct questioning of Kim in court raised concerns from some lawmakers about possible pressure on witnesses. Lawmaker Choi Ki-sang stated that such confrontations could influence testimonies, urging the court to regulate these interactions more carefully.
Should the Constitutional Court uphold his impeachment, Yoon will lose the presidency, setting the stage for fresh elections in South Korea.
The outcome of this case could mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history, further shaping the balance of power in the wake of this unprecedented crisis.
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