South Korea Appoints Special Counsel to Probe Former President Yoon

RunWithRugs · 2026-02-27T07:13:01+00:00

South Korea has launched a new special counsel to investigate former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt in 2024, focusing on insurrection and corruption allegations. The inquiry is set for a minimum of 90 days, following public concerns over previous investigations.

RunWithRugs

2026-02-27 07:13:01

Abstract generation in progress

(MENAFN) South Korea has established a new special counsel to investigate lingering allegations tied to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in 2024, as stated by reports.

The probe, formally launched Wednesday, will be headed by Special Counsel Kwon Chang-young. The team is tasked with revisiting insurrection charges linked to Yoon’s failed martial law bid, as well as corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the 2023 death of a Marine.

Key matters under scrutiny include claims that officials in Yoon’s administration attempted to provoke North Korea by conducting armed helicopter flights near the inter-Korean border.

The move follows the National Assembly’s approval last month of a new special counsel bill, after three previous special investigations concluded without fully addressing 17 major allegations, including potential planning ahead of Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.

“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 said in a briefing.

The new team’s mandate will last at least 90 days and may be extended twice, allowing the inquiry to continue for up to 170 days, including a 20-day preparatory period.

Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment Thursday for leading an insurrection in connection with his martial law attempt.

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