South Korean prosecutors indict former premier, first lady on separate charges

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Korean special prosecutors indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of supporting ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt and separately indicted former first lady Kim Keon Hee on corruption charges, Yonhap News Agency reported Friday.

Han faced charges without being held in custody, accused of supporting the leader of an uprising, perjury and tampering with or destroying government records, the special counsel's office said.

Separately, prosecutors arrested and indicted Kim, Yoon’s wife, on charges related to political funding violations. The special prosecution team announced that Kim faces charges under several acts.

The indictments stem from South Korea's political crisis that began in December 2024 when Yoon declared martial law, triggering massive public protests and political turmoil.

The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld Yoon's impeachment in April 2025, officially removing him from office for serious violations including the martial law declaration.

Han served as acting president during the transition period following Yoon's removal.

The political upheaval led to a snap presidential election in June 2025, won by Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party.