South Korean Probe Says Yoon Plotted Martial Law to Eliminate Rivals

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (center) arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, on July 9, 2025. Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via APAn investigation into former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol released on Dec. 15 said that he spent more than a year planning to impose martial law in an effort to eliminate political opponents and consolidate power.Yoon, who is currently on trial for insurrection, attempted to impose martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, before he backed down six hours later in the face of parliamentary opposition and public protests.