Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office after declaring martial law on December 3, 2024, is currently on trial for several charges, including leading a rebellion.
His successor, President Lee Jae Myung, has approved investigations into Yoon's martial law actions and other alleged criminal activities involving Yoon's administration and family.
The charges stem from alleged drone flights that occurred months before martial law was declared. South Korean prosecutors claim that Yoon and his defense officials intentionally heightened the risk of conflict with North Korea.
These flights allegedly involved dropping propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang, a move that North Korea criticized and which South Korea initially denied, later offering no confirmation.
Yoon had cited threats from North Korea in justifying his martial law declaration, but his real motivation appeared to be a conflict with the liberal-led parliament.
According to AP, investigators now allege that the drone flights were part of a strategy to create a pretext for emergency measures.
Yoon, along with two key defense officials, is charged with abuse of power and jeopardizing military security, but his defense has denied his involvement in the drone operation.
In January, state prosecutors indicted Yoon for allegedly directing a rebellion. It's a grave charge whose conviction only carries the sentence capital punishment or life imprisonment.
IGIHE
