Why Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Rebellion Charges and Possible Death Penalty

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-15 08:35:44 |

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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a historic and highly controversial criminal trial following his impeachment and removal from office. Yoon, who had been a prominent figure in South Korea’s conservative political landscape, became the first sitting president in the country’s history to be indicted while still in power. His trial began just ten days after his official ouster, with the Seoul Central District Court examining rebellion charges against him. The charges stem from his abrupt declaration of martial law in December 2024, a move that many saw as a drastic overreach of presidential powers.

At the heart of the case is Yoon’s deployment of military forces to key government institutions, including the National Assembly and election commission offices. The former president justified his actions by citing threats from elements he claimed were sympathetic to North Korea and pointed to the unresolved Budget Bill and allegations of corruption as national emergencies. On December 3, 2024, Yoon sent troops and even military helicopters into Seoul, shutting down political activity and alarming the public and opposition lawmakers. Mass protests erupted almost immediately, forcing Yoon to rescind his order within six hours.

The trial is focused on whether Yoon’s martial law order was a legitimate constitutional response or a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic governance. South Korea’s constitution does not allow for the president to dissolve or suspend the National Assembly, even under emergency rule. Legal experts say the court must decide if Yoon’s intentions were to stage a coup or simply respond to political chaos. Some argue the case is complex, given that the military deployment did not result in widespread violence or casualties.

Yoon has denied all charges of rebellion and insurrection, asserting in court that his actions were not part of a coup and that he aimed only to safeguard the nation. He claimed the martial law declaration was intended to raise awareness of the opposition’s behavior. The trial’s outcome could be life-changing for Yoon, with a potential sentence ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty if found guilty. Meanwhile, South Korea prepares for a snap presidential election on June 3, likely to deepen the country’s political divisions as the People Power Party and the Democratic Party vie for leadership.

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