Seoul: Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team announced Monday the indictment of 58 individuals, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as part of its comprehensive 180-day investigation into allegations involving Yoon, his wife, and key administration officials. The investigation officially concluded on Sunday, having been launched in February to address allegations that had not been thoroughly examined by three prior special counsel teams.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kwon's team reopened inquiries into issues related to Yoon's unsuccessful 2024 martial law attempt, as well as corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the 2023 death of a Marine. The investigation led to Yoon being charged with abuse of power, specifically for directing officials to rationalize his failed martial law initiative to the United States and other significant partner nations.
In addition to Yoon, former National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo have also been indicted for their purported involvement in the case. The special counsel's team also indicted Yoon's wife, Kim, on charges of interfering with a presidential residence relocation project in 2022, alleging that she unjustly influenced the awarding of construction work to an unqualified company.
With the conclusion of its investigation mandate, Kwon's team has handed over 46 cases, involving 150 individuals, to the police for further examination. The outcomes of these cases remain pending as authorities continue their investigative efforts.