Wife of Ousted President Yoon and Political Ally Indicted by Special Prosecutors

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s political legacy continues to unravel as prosecutors have indicted both his wife, Kim Keon-hee, and a close ally, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, on separate yet related criminal charges. These developments come amidst an ongoing investigation into Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration in December 2024 and a broader inquiry into corruption and abuse of power during his time in office. The legal actions mark one of the most turbulent chapters in South Korea’s recent political history.

Charges Against the Former First Lady: Bribery and Market Violations

Kim Keon-hee, the wife of the imprisoned ex-president, has been formally charged by special prosecutors with violations of South Korea’s financial market regulations and political funding laws. The accusations include financing stock manipulation schemes and accepting lavish gifts linked to the Unification Church, a religious group with a controversial presence in South Korea’s business and political sectors.

Representatives for Kim have denied the allegations, labeling media reports as speculative. Nonetheless, her indictment marks a historic event—she is the country’s first former first lady to face arrest and criminal charges. Her legal troubles compound the political fallout from Yoon’s august departure from office and deepen the scrutiny on their family’s influence during Yoon’s presidency.

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Indicted for Supporting Martial Law

On the same day, Han Duck-soo, who served as prime minister under Yoon and briefly as acting president following Yoon’s impeachment, was indicted for his involvement in facilitating the former president’s brief declaration of martial law. Prosecutors accuse Han of aiding insurrection and falsifying official documents to lend “procedural legitimacy” to the martial law announcement, which aimed to suppress opposition forces in the National Assembly.

Despite Han’s consistent claims that he opposed Yoon’s martial law plan, investigators assert that he played a crucial role in attempting to implement it. The martial law measure lasted only a few hours but triggered severe political unrest and public outcry, ultimately leading to Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office in April 2025.

Martial Law Crisis and its Aftermath

Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to proclaim martial law marked the depth of political crisis in South Korea, as it was seen as an attempt to circumvent a legislature controlled by opposition parties that blocked much of his agenda. The move backfired, sparking months of turmoil, eroding trust in the conservative People Power Party (PPP), and unsettling the country’s economy and foreign relations.

Numerous military and government officials associated with the enforcement of martial law have faced arrest or investigations. Among them is former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun and other senior security personnel, who allegedly coordinated with Yoon to deploy troops to the National Assembly to halt lawmakers from voting against the martial law decree.

Political Ramifications for South Korea’s Conservative Party

The scandals surrounding Yoon, his wife, and their allies have rocked the conservative People Power Party, damaging its public support and electoral prospects. The party suffered a major defeat in the June 2025 presidential election, which brought liberal leader Lee Jae-myung to power.

Han Duck-soo himself resigned from the prime minister role to run for the PPP’s presidential nomination but failed to secure it. The ongoing investigations and high-profile indictments have left the party fractured and searching for new leadership amid public demands for accountability.

Looking Ahead: Justice and Stability

As South Korea navigates this unprecedented political upheaval, the judiciary’s swift action against figures at the highest levels of government signals a commitment to justice and rule of law. Both Kim Keon-hee and Han Duck-soo have vowed to contest the charges amid widespread public interest in the trials.

The case also raises broader questions about the use of emergency powers, the limits of presidential authority, and the need for political reforms to prevent similar crises in the future. With President Lee Jae-myung now steering the country, hopes are high for restoration of political stability and renewed public trust in democratic institutions.

These unfolding legal and political developments underscore how South Korea is grappling with the legacy of a fraught presidency marked by corruption, division, and controversial use of state power, with repercussions that will shape the nation’s political landscape for years to come.