South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Indicted Over Martial Law, North Tensions

Seoul, South Korea – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on additional charges of abusing power and aiding an enemy state, following a controversial attempt to impose martial law last year. The indictment, announced by the country’s special prosecutor on Monday, alleges that Yoon attempted to provoke military conflict with North Korea to justify the short-lived martial law declaration.

According to the prosecutor’s office, evidence recovered from a military official’s mobile phone suggests that Yoon and his close aides considered provocations against North Korea, including “drones” and a potential “surgical strike.” The investigation also implicates former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun and former military intelligence chief Yeo In-hyung, who were allegedly part of the same plot.

“Yoon, Kim, and Yeo conspired to create tensions with North Korea as a pretext to impose martial law,” said prosecutor Park Ji-young at a briefing. The special prosecutor’s office has accused the trio of ordering a covert drone operation targeting the North to inflame tensions and justify martial rule.

The controversy surrounding Yoon’s martial law decree began last year when he briefly declared military rule, claiming it was necessary to address alleged wrongdoing by opposition parties and to safeguard democracy from “anti-state” elements. However, the Constitutional Court removed him from office in April 2025, citing the insurrection charges linked to the martial law attempt.

In October 2024, North Korea alleged that South Korean drones had been sent over Pyongyang to distribute anti-North Korean leaflets, releasing images of drone debris. At the time, the South Korean military declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations. A defence ministry official reiterated on Monday that the military had no comment regarding the drone operations.

While Yoon has consistently denied any intent to impose military rule, he faces serious legal consequences. If convicted, he could face the death penalty under South Korean law for insurrection and aiding an enemy state. Both Kim and Yeo are also facing trials in connection with the martial law declaration.

Yeo In-hyung reportedly expressed regret for not challenging Yoon’s orders, but prosecutors have dismissed his explanations as unconvincing, highlighting incriminating notes found on his phone.

The indictment adds a new layer to South Korea’s ongoing political and military scrutiny, raising questions about civil-military relations and the legal accountability of former leaders.