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PoliticsSouth Korea

South Korea's ex-president Yoon indicted for abuse of power

Kate Hairsine Reuters, AFP
May 1, 2025

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol is to be additionally charged with abuse of authority. He is already being tried for insurrection over his failed bid to impose martial law.

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol lifts his hand in greeting as he is released from detention on March 8, 2025
South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yoel now faces charges of rebellion and abuse of powerImage: Kim Hong-ji /REUTERS

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol is to be additionally indicted for abuse of authority, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. 

The new indictment comes as Yoon stands trial for leading an insurrection over his brief declaration of martial law in early December. 

The country's Constitutional Court stripped Yoon of all power and privileges in April and also upheld a parliamentary motion to impeach him.

What do we know about the latest charge?

Yoon has not been detained for this additional charge, Yonhap says, citing the prosecutor's office.

"We have since proceeded with the [insurrection] trial while conducting supplementary investigations into the abuse of power allegation, leading to this additional indictment," prosecutors said in a statement on Thursday.

The additional charge was announced a day after investigators raided Yoon's private residence in the capital, Seoul.

The search is part of a probe into bribery allegations involving Yoon's wife Kim Keon Hee and a shaman accused of receiving lavish gifts on behalf of the former first lady.

Yoon's insurrection trial

Yoon was first charged in January, when he was still president as "the ringleader of an insurrection," a charge not covered by presidential immunity.

If convicted of the insurrection charge, Yoon could be sentenced to life in prison. 

He could theoretically face the death penalty, but South Korea hasn't executed anyone since 1997 and handed out its last death sentence in 2018. 

How South Korean president's arrest could cause more turmoil

01:42

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With Yoon out of office, South Korea is set to hold a snap election on June 3.

Edited by: Rana Tana

Kate Hairsine Australian-born journalist and senior editor who mainly focuses on Africa.
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