President Yoon Indicted

Secretary Blinken and Vice President Harris host a State luncheon in honor of Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol at the Department of State on April 27, 2023.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted yesterday on charges of leading an insurrection by imposing martial law in December, making him the country’s first sitting president to face criminal charges. Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3, alleging the opposition were "antistate" North Korean sympathizers, which led to troops storming the National Assembly and sparked nationwide protests. Parliament rejected the measure and impeached Yoon on Dec. 14. He was arrested on Jan. 15. See timeline here.

The president will stand trial alongside his former defense minister and top military officials, who are accused of aiding in the alleged power grab. Yoon contends the martial law declaration was a strategic warning intended to resolve political tensions. If convicted, Yoon faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, though South Korea has not conducted executions in decades.

Separately, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate his powers, with a decision expected by June.