The former president’s declaration of martial law in December 2024 saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament, an act that sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Seoul – On May 1, 2025, South Korean prosecutors indicted former President Yoon Suk-yeol for abuse of authority, marking another chapter in the nation’s ongoing political turmoil.
The indictment, reported by Yonhap News Agency, stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, which lasted only six hours before being overturned by opposition lawmakers. This latest legal action adds to Yoon’s existing charges of insurrection, for which he is already on trial.
Yoon, 64, was impeached by the National Assembly and removed from office by the Constitutional Court on April 4, 2025, following his attempt to impose martial law.
The court ruled that his actions “violated” the constitution and betrayed public trust, plunging South Korea into its worst political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.
The former president’s brief decree saw armed soldiers deployed to parliament, an act that sparked widespread outrage and protests.
Prosecutors initially hesitated to charge Yoon with abuse of power due to presidential immunity, but after his removal from office, they proceeded with the indictment. If convicted, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The indictment follows a raid on Yoon’s private residence in Seoul on April 30, 2025, as part of a separate probe into bribery allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee, and a shaman accused of receiving lavish gifts on her behalf. These allegations have further tarnished Yoon’s reputation, with public sentiment deeply divided. Supporters, including right-wing groups and religious figures, have rallied behind him, while others celebrate his ousting as a victory for democracy.
South Korea now faces a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, to replace Yoon.
Acting President Han Duck-soo has been steering the country through this period of uncertainty, with economic challenges compounded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on South Korean imports.
The opposition Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, is poised to capitalize on the turmoil, with Lee emerging as a frontrunner in polls.
Yoon’s legal troubles are not isolated. His predecessor, Moon Jae-in, was indicted for bribery in April 2025, continuing a pattern of former South Korean presidents facing criminal charges.
This trend underscores the nation’s polarized politics and raises questions about the stability of its democratic institutions. Analysts suggest that the next president will face the daunting task of healing divisions and restoring public trust.
During his trial, Yoon has denied the insurrection charges, arguing that martial law was not a coup but a necessary measure to counter “anti-state forces” and alleged North Korean threats. However, senior military and police officials testified that Yoon ordered them to detain rival politicians and prevent parliament from voting against his decree. The Constitutional Court rejected his defense, citing legal avenues he could have pursued instead.
Public reaction to the indictment has been mixed.
In Seoul, some citizens expressed relief at the continued accountability of their leaders, while Yoon’s supporters, waving flags with his image, decried the charges as politically motivated. The South Korean won remained stable, suggesting markets have largely absorbed the political shock.
As the June election approaches, candidates are expected to address economic polarization and political instability. Lee Jae-myung has pledged to tackle inequality and engage with North Korea, aligning with some of Trump’s diplomatic overtures. Meanwhile, the conservative People Power Party struggles to regain public trust after Yoon’s failed presidency.
Yoon’s indictment is a pivotal moment for South Korea, reflecting both the resilience and fragility of its democracy. The outcome of his trials and the upcoming election will shape the nation’s political landscape for years to come, as it navigates internal divisions and external pressures.
Ex-South Korean President Yoon Indicted for Abuse of Power (May 1, 2025)
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Tags: South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, indictment, abuse of power, martial law, impeachment, election
