Yoon Seok-yeol.Photo: Getty Images.
South Korean President Yoon Sook-young has been formally charged with attempting a coup d’état. This happened a day before the expiration of his detention after his arrest on 15 January. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing Liga.net.
Yun is accused of imposing martial law on 3 December 2024. According to the authorities, such actions were taken without sufficient legal grounds and are regarded as an attempt to usurp power under the guise of an alleged threat of a coup d’état.
Political crisis and accusations
The Office for the Investigation of Corruption among Officials, which initiated the case, last week transferred it to the prosecutor’s office due to restrictions on its powers to bring charges against the current president. After discussing the case, prosecutors decided to formally charge Yun with attempted coup d’état.
This situation is a continuation of the political crisis that began after the introduction of martial law. At that time, the country’s parliament convened promptly, and within a few hours, MPs unanimously passed a resolution to lift it.
Decisions on impeachment and arrest
On 4 December 2024, the parliament introduced a motion to impeach the president. Although the first attempt failed, on 14 December, MPs still supported the impeachment on the second attempt.
At the end of the year, on 31 December, the court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon, citing serious violations of the law. This decision led to mass protests by his supporters. On 19 January 2025, demonstrators stormed the courthouse to protest the arrest.
The situation around the former president of South Korea has become unprecedented in the country’s history. The upcoming trials are crucial not only for Yoon but also for the political stability of the country. The government and the public expect a transparent and fair trial.
