Yoon Seok-yeol’s martial law attempt and its far-right supporters highlight the enduring power of authoritarian forces in South Korean politics. While public resistance led to his impeachment, the far-right’s deep institutional ties and growing influence continue to challenge the country’s democratic future.

LONDON -- South Korean prosecutors formally indicted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday, charging him with insurrection over his brief imposition of martial law in December, according to opposition lawmakers and South Korean media.

The jailed president Yoon Suk Yeol, who had been holed up in his presidential compound for weeks after issuing a martial law decree last month, now faces rebellion charges punishable by the death penalty or life in prison.

President Yoon Suk Yeol will stand trial along with his former defense minister and others who participated in his short-lived imposition of martial law.

South Korean prosecutors on Sunday indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion in connection with his short-lived imposition of martial law, news reports said, a criminal charge that could put him to death or jail for life if convicted.

South Korean president Yoon's declaration of martial law not only stress tested South Korea's democracy, it may also contribute to destabilising the fragile US-Japan-South Korea trilateral.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has remained defiant against investigators probing his martial law declaration, even after his indictment. Aoki Yoshiyuki, NHK's former Seoul bureau chief, explains the unfolding political crisis.

Yonhap news agency says South Korean prosecutors have indicted the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his imposition of martial law.

As the rest of the world moves forward, South Korea is at a political stand still. The country needs strong leadership as soon as possible, especially with Donald Trump now in office.

Former and current aides to President Yoon Suk Yeol are seeking to visit the impeached president at a detention center where he is staying around next week, a presidential official said Wednesday.

The fake truth hinders South Korea’s ability to overcome the political crisis from President Yoon’s actions.