South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk-yeol, now faces an additional charge of abuse of authority. The Yonhap News Agency reported the indictment, which follows earlier legal action already underway.
Yoon is currently on trial for insurrection after briefly imposing martial law in December. During that time, armed troops entered the National Assembly. The order lasted only six hours before opposition MPs intervened, climbed fences, and voted it down. Parliament later impeached Yoon over the move.
In April, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment. As a result, Yoon lost his powers and left the presidential residence.
Further investigations and legal action
Prosecutors first charged Yoon in January, accusing him of leading an insurrection — a crime not shielded by presidential immunity. On Thursday, they said the abuse of power charge followed further investigation during the ongoing trial.
Authorities also searched Yoon’s private home in Seoul on Wednesday. The raid forms part of a separate inquiry into bribery allegations. The investigation involves Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, and a spiritual adviser who allegedly received expensive gifts for her.
If found guilty of insurrection, Yoon could face life in prison or the death penalty. However, South Korea has not carried out executions since 1997. He is the second president to be removed from office and the third to be impeached by parliament.
Yoon’s removal has reshaped the country’s political environment. Parties are adjusting strategies ahead of the upcoming election.
Presidential election ahead
A snap election is scheduled for 3 June. Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s nominee, has led opinion polls for several weeks.
However, the Supreme Court overturned his earlier acquittal on election law charges. This ruling now raises questions about his eligibility to run.
Lee won the party primary on Sunday and was confirmed as the candidate. He currently holds a double-digit lead over rivals from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party.
