South Korea's ex-first lady and ex-prime minister face charges from special investigators
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally dismissed from office in April, following a controversial martial law decree issued last December. The decree, which led to Yoon's removal and rearrest, has also brought several of his defense ministers, military commanders, and police officers under arrest for their involvement.
In a recent development, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who served as South Korea's acting leader after Yoon was impeached, has also found himself in the crosshairs of the investigation. Assistant special counsel Park Ji-young has accused Han of playing an "active" role in the martial law declaration, alleging that he attempted to give procedural legitimacy to Yoon's decree.
According to reports, Han played a crucial role in the passing of the martial law decree through a Cabinet Council meeting under his leadership. However, Han maintains that he conveyed his opposition to Yoon's martial law plan.
Han Duck-soo has been indicted for abetting the imposition of martial law, falsifying and destroying official documents, and lying under oath. Assistant special counsel Park Ji-young also accuses Han of providing "active" support to Yoon's martial law plan.
Meanwhile, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been indicted for violating financial market and political funding laws, receiving bribes, and other charges. She and Yoon Suk Yeol are suspected of exerting undue influence on the conservative People Power Party to nominate a specific candidate in a 2022 legislative by-election.
Three special prosecutor investigations have been launched under the government of liberal President Lee Jae Myung, targeting actions taken to impose martial law last December. The investigations aim to uncover the truth behind the controversial martial law decree and bring those responsible to justice.
As the investigation continues, the South Korean public awaits the outcome with bated breath, hoping for a clear resolution to the political turmoil that has gripped the nation.
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