Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Monday to face charges of insurrection after his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024—a dramatic decision that was later overturned and ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office. The high-stakes trial has drawn nationwide attention, symbolizing a pivotal moment in South Korea’s modern political history.
The criminal trial of Yoon, 64, commenced at the Seoul Central District Court amid heavy security and widespread media coverage. Prosecutors have accused the former president of attempting to undermine democratic institutions by illegally invoking martial law in what they described as a desperate attempt to maintain power.
Yoon’s declaration, made on December 3, 2024, plunged the country into a political and constitutional crisis that lasted for weeks. It was revoked just six hours later after a dramatic confrontation at the National Assembly, where parliamentary staff used barricades and fire extinguishers to repel special operations soldiers allegedly ordered to occupy the legislature.
In opening arguments, prosecutors asserted that Yoon’s actions amounted to a direct assault on the democratic framework of the country. “The declaration of martial law was not only unconstitutional—it was an attempt to neutralize the National Assembly and paralyze the state,” the lead prosecutor said. “This was a grave abuse of power and a clear case of insurrection.”
Yoon, who arrived at court in a black limousine flanked by a motorcade of security personnel, denied all charges against him. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he remained composed as he entered the courtroom. In a statement issued by his legal team, he insisted that his actions were in response to what he called a “legislative dictatorship” by the majority opposition party, which had repeatedly blocked his administration’s key policy initiatives.
“I acted to preserve the nation’s integrity, not to dismantle it,” Yoon reportedly told the court. “The martial law was a warning, not a weapon.”
Constitutional Crisis and Public Outcry
The events of December 2024 sent shockwaves through South Korea. The declaration of martial law—an unprecedented move in the country’s post-dictatorship era—triggered mass protests, disrupted government functions, and caused a temporary panic in financial markets.
The Constitutional Court, in a unanimous ruling earlier this month, removed Yoon from office, citing a “severe violation of constitutional authority.” In its written opinion, the court stated, “The martial law declaration shocked the public conscience, destabilized the economy, and risked irreversible damage to South Korea’s foreign relations.”
The ruling concluded that Yoon had “grossly overstepped his presidential powers” and that his actions “constituted a direct challenge to the principles of democratic governance.”
Charges and Possible Penalties
Yoon now faces the most serious charge under South Korean criminal law: insurrection. The offense is punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.
Legal experts note that while the death penalty remains on the books, a life sentence is far more likely, given the country’s long-standing informal moratorium on capital punishment.
In addition to insurrection, prosecutors are reportedly considering adding charges related to abuse of power, obstruction of government processes, and endangering public safety. However, the current trial is focused solely on the insurrection charge.
Political Fallout
The political implications of Yoon’s trial are significant. His impeachment has already triggered a power vacuum in the executive branch, with an interim government now led by Prime Minister Han Jin-woo, who has vowed to restore constitutional order and public trust.
International observers, including from the United Nations and various human rights organizations, have praised South Korea’s democratic institutions for acting swiftly to curb what they described as “a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.”
Meanwhile, Yoon’s conservative base remains divided. Some loyalists continue to support him, insisting that his intentions were misunderstood and that he acted in defense of national stability. Others within his party have distanced themselves from the former president, warning that his trial could deal a lasting blow to the right-wing political movement in the country.
Public Reaction
Public opinion remains largely hostile toward Yoon. A recent Gallup Korea poll showed that nearly 70% of respondents supported the Constitutional Court’s decision to remove him from office. Tens of thousands took to the streets in the days following the martial law declaration, demanding his resignation and calling for judicial accountability.
Many South Koreans see the trial as a test of the country’s legal system and democratic resilience. “This is about more than one man,” said Lee Eun-mi, a law professor at Korea University. “It’s about the rule of law and whether our institutions can withstand political extremism.”
Looking Ahead
The trial is expected to last several months, with dozens of witnesses scheduled to testify, including current and former members of Yoon’s cabinet, military officials, and lawmakers. The court will also examine internal communications from the presidential office and the military command to determine the extent of coordination behind the martial law decision.
Legal analysts predict a lengthy and complex legal battle, as Yoon’s defense team is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and question the legality of the impeachment process itself.
Regardless of the outcome, the trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is certain to shape the future of South Korean politics—and could set a precedent for how democracies confront executive overreach.
