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South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol investigated for insurrection faces death penalty

The president could face serious charges as parliament prepares to vote on impeachment

The political situation in South Korea flared up after the police opened an investigation for alleged insurrection against President Yoon Suk Yeol, following the controversial declaration of martial law. The investigation, which oversteps presidential immunity, could lead to very serious charges, with the possibility of capital punishment for the crime of insurrection.

The case was confirmed by Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Investigative Headquarters of the National Police Agency, who told lawmakers that ‘the case has been assigned’ for further investigation. The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the opposition, which pointed the finger not only at Yoon, but also at other key officials involved in the handling of Tuesday night’s events.

In parallel, the South Korean parliament will vote on Saturday at 7pm (local time) on whether to impeach the president. Although the opposition holds a majority of 192 out of 300 seats in the National Assembly, it will need the support of at least eight deputies of the ruling People Power Party for the impeachment to be approved. However, the party has already announced its firm opposition to the motion.

Meanwhile, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, considered a central figure in the decision to declare martial law. According to North Korean media reports, it was Kim himself who proposed the extreme measure, taking full responsibility for it and its consequences. In his place, Yoon appointed Choi Byung-hyuk, a retired general currently ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

The political crisis casts deep shadows on Yoon’s government, already marked by internal tensions and an opposition determined to corner him. In the coming days, attention will be focused on both the insurrection investigation and the outcome of the parliamentary vote, which could have historic repercussions for South Korean democracy.

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