Political situation in South Korea

The wife of South Korea's former president is indicted

Several people have been indicted following the South Korean investigations that followed former President Yoon Suk-Yeol's attempt to circumvent the opposition by imposing martial law. His wife Kim Keon-Hee is charged with bribery, among other things, reports Reuters. Both spouses have been arrested and are in custody.

Yoon has been accused of several crimes since he was ousted in April. He himself has consistently denied the charges and claimed that he had the authority to impose martial law.

His ally, the country's former Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo, is also indicted for aiding and abetting rebellion, reports AP. He is accused, among other things, of perjury and of having forged and destroyed previous documents.

Yoon Suk-Yeo Impeached — This Happened

2024, December: President Yoon Suk-Yeol declares martial law on December 3, opposition begins impeachment process, president suspended on December 14.

2025, January: Yoon Suk-Yeol is arrested on January 15 after refusing to leave his residence, charged with sedition and abuse of power, violent protests outside the court.

2025, February: Yoon Suk-Yeol's trial begins on February 20 in Seoul, he denies the charges and faces imprisonment or death penalty.

2025, April: Yoon Suk-Yeol is impeached on April 4, thousands demonstrate in Seoul, court calls his actions a betrayal of the people's trust.

2025, May:2025, Yoon Suk-Yeol is indicted on May 1 for abuse of power.

2025, June: South Korea holds presidential elections on June 3 after political chaos, the country is deeply polarized after Yoon Suk-Yeol's ouster.

2025, July: Yoon Suk-Yeol is arrested again on July 10 and placed in solitary confinement, charged with attempted coup and faces life imprisonment or the death penalty.

2025, August: Yoon Suk-Yeol refuses questioning in custody on August 1, his wife Kim Keon Hee is arrested on August 12 on suspicion of bribery, stock manipulation and election influence.