Prosecutor: Former President of South Korea Wanted to Push North Korea to Aggression 0 5

Former President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol, who is under investigation for attempting to impose martial law in the country on suspicion of rebellion and treason, tried to provoke North Korea into military aggression. This was stated by special prosecutor Cho Eun-sok during a briefing regarding the martial law case in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in December 2024. The words of the special prosecutor were reported by Reuters on Monday, December 15.

Yoon Suk-yeol hoped to justify the declaration of martial law and eliminate political opponents, said Cho Eun-sok.

Charges Filed Against 24 Individuals

The special prosecutor's team has charged 24 individuals, including the former president and five former cabinet members, in connection with their alleged involvement in the rebellion.

According to law enforcement, Yoon Suk-yeol ordered drones to be launched towards North Korea to provoke hostilities and use them as a pretext for imposing martial law in the Republic of Korea. South Korean drones crashed near the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang. Yoon "benefited the enemy" by transmitting military data, the investigation believes.

Arrest of Former President of South Korea and Removal from Power

In early December 2024, a political crisis erupted in South Korea after Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly announced the imposition of martial law amid budget disputes, justifying this move by claiming "anti-state activities" by the opposition.

However, the country's parliament refused to approve this decision, and by the next morning, the head of state had to cancel it. On December 14, 2024, lawmakers announced impeachment against Yoon. In early April 2025, the Constitutional Court of the country upheld the decision.

Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on January 15 after a second attempt—the first was unsuccessful due to resistance from his security. Initially, the court ordered the arrest of the former head of state, but on March 8, it granted the defense's petition and released him from custody. The politician remains under investigation.