South Korea launches new special counsel to probe Yoon's martial law plot, corruption allegations

South Korean prosecutors launched a new special counsel investigation Wednesday to address lingering suspicions surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's December 2024 martial law attempt and associated corruption allegations, Yonhap News reported. Special counsel Kwon Chang-young will lead the inquiry, which carries a 90-day mandate extendable up to 170 days including preparatory period, following last month's National Assembly passage of a new special counsel bill after three previous probes failed to fully address 17 major allegations.

Scope of Investigation

The investigation will reopen insurrection charges stemming from Yoon's failed martial law declaration, corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and the 2023 death of a Marine. Key issues under review include allegations that Yoon administration officials sought to provoke North Korea by staging armed helicopter flights near the inter-Korean border. "While the three special counsels produced many results since their launch, the second special counsel has been established reflecting the public's belief that there have been shortcomings," Kwon stated in a briefing.

Legal Context and Ongoing Proceedings

The new probe follows Yoon's February 19 life sentence for leading an insurrection in connection with his martial law attempt, and a separate five-year sentence last month for obstructing investigators' detention efforts. The ousted president faces eight trial proceedings total, with two convictions to date. The investigation will examine whether adequate scrutiny was applied to allegations including pre-planning of the December 3, 2024 martial law declaration that led to Yoon's impeachment, arrest, and eventual removal from office.