South Korea’s Yoon Faces Rebellion Trial After Ouster

South Korea’s Yoon Faces Rebellion Trial After Ouster \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court Monday on rebellion charges stemming from his declaration of martial law in December. The trial follows his impeachment and removal from office and could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Legal experts expect a lengthy trial with major political implications.

Quick Looks

• Former President Yoon charged with rebellion after martial law decree.
• Trial begins ten days after Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment.
• Martial law led to troop deployment in Seoul and suspension of politics.
• Prosecutors argue Yoon attempted to shut down democratic institutions.
• If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or the death penalty.
• Yoon denies wrongdoing, calls actions peaceful and legally justified.
• Court to determine if Yoon intended to undermine constitutional order.
• Trial expected to last up to two years due to complex evidence.
• Snap presidential election scheduled for June 3 to replace Yoon.
• Experts expect further charges, including abuse of power, may follow.

Deep Look

Just ten days after being removed from office by South Korea’s Constitutional Court, former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court Monday to face rebellion charges—a rare and dramatic legal proceeding in a nation that has seen political scandals but rarely prosecutes former presidents for insurrection-level offenses.

At the heart of the case is Yoon’s decision in December 2024 to declare martial law and deploy military forces to the capital, Seoul, during a standoff with a National Assembly dominated by a liberal opposition he accused of obstructing governance.

Now, Yoon—once a conservative law-and-order hardliner—is South Korea’s first president indicted while still in office and faces the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty if found guilty.

The Rebellion Charge Explained

The Seoul Central District Court must decide whether Yoon’s martial law order constitutes an act of rebellion—defined as an attempt to overthrow or obstruct the constitutional order. The imposition of martial law involved deploying hundreds of soldiers around the National Assembly and election commission offices, and a suspension of political activity across key institutions.

While Yoon has portrayed his decree as a last-resort, nonviolent effort to safeguard national stability, critics argue the move was a deliberate and unlawful attempt to paralyze democratic processes.

In January, prosecutors formally indicted Yoon, and his impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court, which cited the severity of his actions and their widespread destabilizing effect on society.

“Yoon’s actions caused confusion in the society, economy, politics, diplomacy and all other areas,” the court stated. “His violation of the constitution was too grave to be tolerated.”

Despite the high stakes, Yoon remained defiant in court Monday, asserting that the martial law declaration was not an insurrection, but a call to action against what he labeled “anti-state” forces in the legislature.

“It was resolved non-violently within hours,” he said, “and the National Assembly’s vote to lift the measure was accepted immediately.”

Key Legal Questions Ahead

The trial will focus on several crucial issues:

• Did Yoon’s military deployment aim to forcibly dissolve or disable the legislature?
• Was there intent to undermine the constitutional order?
• What role did the military and police actually play under Yoon’s orders?
• Were civilians or political leaders threatened or prevented from performing duties?

Yoon claims he never intended to shut down the legislature and that his orders were misunderstood. However, military commanders have testified that he ordered lawmakers to be removed physically from the National Assembly chamber to prevent a vote lifting martial law—contradicting his narrative.

Legal experts such as Park SungBae, a criminal defense attorney, say that given the Constitutional Court’s strong ruling, a conviction is highly likely.

“There is a low possibility of a different verdict,” Park said. “The rebellion charge will probably hold.”

Another legal expert, Yang Hong-seok, emphasized that the trial will deeply examine the circumstances, intent, and execution of the martial law orders.

“The court must determine whether there was an actual plan to destabilize constitutional institutions,” Yang explained.

Political Fallout and the Road Ahead

Yoon’s ouster has triggered a June 3 snap election to choose a new president. Whoever wins will serve a full five-year term, per South Korea’s single-term presidency system.

Though ousted, Yoon remains an influential figure in the People Power Party, and many observers expect him to try to shape the party’s next presidential nominee—possibly someone who might pardon him if convicted.

In a message to his supporters last week, Yoon struck a defiant tone:

“I will continue to do my utmost to build the free and prosperous Republic of Korea we have dreamed of together.”

Yet Yoon no longer enjoys presidential immunity. Beyond the rebellion charge, prosecutors may pursue additional counts, such as abuse of power, unlawful use of the military, or coercion of public officials.

How Long Could the Trial Take?

The rebellion trial itself could last two to three years, depending on the number of witnesses and the volume of documents involved.

• Initial verdict: Expected within one to two years.
• Appeals process: Could take the case to higher courts and the Supreme Court, but experts say those rulings may come within another year.

“Given the stakes, the timeline may be faster than most high-profile criminal trials,” Park said.

Yoon’s trial marks one of the most significant legal and constitutional tests in South Korean history, and the outcome could permanently alter how executive power is interpreted and restrained in the country.

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