President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was impeached, was indicted on charges of sedition last December after trying to declare martial law.
His ill-fated attempt at military rule plunged the country into an unprecedented political crisis and made him the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to be charged with a crime.
The indictment comes after a Seoul court on Saturday rejected Yoon’s request to extend his detention, meaning prosecutors must decide whether to indict or release him before Monday.
Democratic Party spokesperson Han Min-soo said at a press conference, “The punishment of the insurrection ringleaders has finally begun.”
Separately, the Constitutional Court began deliberating whether to formally dismiss President Yoon or reinstate him.
The impeached president has largely refused to cooperate with the president. criminal investigation Regarding the declaration of martial law.
General Yoon is scheduled to be tried along with former defense ministers and high-ranking military commanders on charges of helping him plan and carry out his attempt to seize total power.
Prime Minister Yoon announced in an unprecedented TV broadcast on December 3 that he was invoking martial law to protect the country from ‘anti-state’ forces sympathizing with North Korea.
At the time, the leader was deadlocked over the budget, embroiled in a corruption scandal and several cabinet ministers were also under investigation.
The military announced a suspension of all parliamentary activities and sought control over media outlets.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the public to protest at the National Assembly and asked fellow lawmakers to vote immediately to repeal the order.
Less than two hours after Rep. Yoon’s declaration, 190 members of the National Assembly, including some from the ruling party, gathered and unanimously voted to block it.
A dramatic confrontation ensued as soldiers armed with rifles were seen breaking windows and entering the National Assembly building.
Thousands of civilians gathered in front of the rally and tried to stop the soldiers.
Chairman Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14 and suspended from office.
The incident sparked South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades and polarized the country.
Many of his hard-line supporters have rallied around him. On Friday, tens of thousands of people gathered to protest and demand his release and reinstatement.
If Rep. Yoon is dismissed, a presidential election will be held within 60 days.
Prosecutors did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
