Video from the scene showed a bus carrying Yoon leaving the court complex as crowds waved U.S. and South Korean flags, chanting and beating drums. Some demonstrators held placards reading “Yoon is not guilty,” “There was no insurrection,” and “Martial law was justifiable.”

Yoon’s lawyers criticized the indictment, calling it the “worst choice” made by the prosecution, while the opposition party welcomed the decision. The charges stem from Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, which aimed to curb political and parliamentary activities and control the media.

His decree sparked widespread political unrest in the country, a key U.S. ally and the fourth-largest economy in Asia. In the aftermath, the prime minister was impeached and suspended, and several senior military officials were indicted.

Yoon’s defence team argued that the martial law declaration was intended as a response to a national crisis caused by the opposition, labelling it a “desperate plea” to the public.

"(The) President's declaration of emergency martial law was a desperate plea to the public over a national crisis caused by the opposition getting out of control," Yoon's lawyers said in a statement .

Prosecutors, however, have charged him with leading an insurrection, a crime that can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty, though executions have not been carried out in South Korea in decades.

Insurrection is one of the few offences for which a president does not have immunity.

Yoon, a former prosecutor, was arrested on January 15 after a standoff between his security detail and arresting officers, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be detained. Although a court denied prosecutors' request to extend his detention over the weekend, they are seeking to keep him in custody as they continue their investigation.

The top court is also reviewing Yoon’s impeachment, with a final ruling expected within 180 days on whether he will be removed from office or reinstated. If Yoon is ousted, a presidential election would be held within 60 days.

Yoon’s martial law decree, which he rescinded after about six hours when lawmakers rejected it, led to dramatic scenes in parliament. Soldiers armed with rifles and night-vision equipment entered the parliamentary building after windows were smashed, adding to the tension in an already volatile political environment.

Speaking to reporters, Yoon Kab-keun, spokesperson for Yoon’s legal team, stated, “The evidence submitted to us, and the president, who came out in person, also gave a greeting and answered questions to the judge. He told me that there are still many things that are regrettable about the fairness and neutrality issues.”

He added that Yoon’s team would thoroughly explain what they described as “deficiencies” in the constitutional reform process during the trial. “The poor part of the constitutional reform process will also be fully explained during the trial, and I think that some misunderstandings in that part will now be resolved,” he said.

During the session, Yoon denied allegations that he ordered military commanders to forcibly remove lawmakers from parliament on December 3, the night martial law was declared. Military commanders had previously claimed that Yoon issued the directive after lawmakers entered the parliament building by climbing fences and breaking barricades to overturn his martial law declaration.

“I am a person who has lived with a firm belief in liberal democracy,” Yoon said in his opening remarks, rejecting accusations that he masterminded an insurrection.

Under South Korean law, insurrection is a grave offence punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Yoon’s legal team has consistently denied such charges.

The impeachment decision lies in the hands of the Constitutional Court’s eight-member bench, with Yoon’s removal requiring at least six votes in favour of the motion. If upheld, a presidential election must be held within 60 days to choose his successor.

On December 31, 2024, the Seoul Western District Court issued warrants to detain President Yoon and search his office and residence. This unprecedented move marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced such legal action.

The court's decision was based on allegations that Yoon's actions amounted to rebellion, a charge that carries severe penalties under South Korean law.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, faced allegations of rebellion following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in the month.

The declaration saw the deployment of hundreds of troops and police officers to the National Assembly on December 3.

Yoon was stripped of his duties last week after declaring martial law earlier this month, a move that sparked South Korea's worst political crisis in decades.

Investigators have now ordered Yoon to appear before the country's Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) on Christmas Day.

He missed a previous summons this week without explanation. If he attends, Yoon would be the first sitting president in South Korea to appear before such an agency. The CIO said it is also considering issuing an arrest warrant if he refuses again.

Protesters expressed their frustrations over the situation. Jang Sun-hwa, a homemaker, said, "It’s heartbreaking that my children will grow up in a country that has been ruined. I come out to rallies whenever I can." Another protester, businessman Lee Seong-cheon, added, "Yoon should be impeached and arrested. This must serve as a lesson so this chapter is never repeated."

Yoon faces impeachment and serious charges, including insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is reviewing his case and has six months to decide whether to uphold his impeachment.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court now has six months to decide whether to confirm his removal.

China’s foreign ministry said promoting stable relations between the two countries will benefit both countries.

According to Spokesman Lin Jian, South Korea is an important neighbour and partner.

This comes after Yoon’s recent accusations of China spying on South Korean intelligence, a claim that angered Beijing and raised tensions further.

On December 3, President Yoon declared martial law , citing the need to root out "anti-state forces" and overcome political obstruction. The move was met with immediate backlash, leading to mass protests and a swift parliamentary vote to rescind the declaration.

The impeachment vote, held on December 14, saw 204 out of 300 lawmakers in favour of removing Yoon from office. This marks the second time in recent history that a South Korean president has faced impeachment , following the removal of Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Yoon's supporters, who had gathered in Seoul to show their backing, were left in disbelief as the news broke. Many expressed their frustration and disappointment, feeling that their leader had been unfairly targeted by political opponents.

"I don't think this is true, and I don't think it's fair that this is the president that I elected and he's been impeached like this, I think it's treason and I don't agree with this," Kim Ho-jun, a protester in support of President Yoon Suk Yeol told AFP.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders and their supporters hailed the impeachment as a triumph for the rule of law and democratic principles. "The people have spoken," declared Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party. "This is a victory for all South Koreans who believe in justice and accountability."

The second process was expected to have the same outcome as the first which had Yoon's party members shield him from impeachment.

However, just before the vote on Saturday morning, seven members of Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) publicly declared their desire to support the impeachment.

The opposition party, the Democratic Party has 192 seats in parliament and just needed at least 8 PPP votes to pass the motion.

On December 3, President Yoon declared martial law which saw almost 300 heavily armed soldiers and several lawmakers rust to parliament to reverse it barely six hours after its declaration.

According to South Korea's constitution , martial law allows the president to control press freedom, and limit powers of government agencies or the assembly.

It can, however, only be declared in “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states.”

Russia and North Korea past relations

Russian/Soviet relations with North Korea can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II when Japan surrendered in 1945, relinquishing its control of Korea. Efforts to create a unified Korean state failed, resulting in the establishment of Soviet-North Korea in 1948.

Throughout the 1960s, while the U.S. supported South Korea, the Soviet Union supported North Korea, but relations cooled due to political purges , concerns over ideological differences, and improved ties with China. In the early 2000s, Russian President Vladimir Putin reengaged with North Korea.

Since then, the ties have improved including the first meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Putin at the  Russian Far East  in 2019.

The Ukraine war seems to have prompted a reassessment of their relationship. Signs include the Putin and Kim summit at a space centre in the Russian Far East in September 2023. There are reports that Kim has extended an invitation for Putin to visit the North Korean capital, and in October 2023, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to North Korea is seen as paving the way for Putin's upcoming visit.

What does North Korea want from Russia?

North Korea’s military is  the fourth-biggest  in the world however its conventional forces are considered outdated. North Korea seeks advanced weaponry, including fighters and air defences, from Russia to modernize its military and further its goal of uniting the Korean Peninsula under the DPRK flag.

Kim also desires Russian assistance with its spy satellite which has seen some failures recently, space launch vehicle and submarine   programs in advancing its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities.

In addition, North Korea seeks broader diplomatic acceptance of its nuclear weapons status, a recognition that Russia, as a major power, can provide.

What does Russia want from North Korea?

On the other hand, Russia aims to meet its war materiel needs for the conflict in Ukraine by seeking military support from North Korea. Moscow requires artillery shells , and North Korea, known for its significant artillery power, can potentially supply these compatible munitions.

The two countries share compatible small arms, allowing North Korea to provide ammunition for Russian assault rifles. In exchange for North Korea's military support, Russia is likely to offer aid in the development of solid-fuel missiles and hypersonic missiles.

Mutual relationship

The alliance serves the common interest of both nations in undermining American power, driven by their shared grievances against the West and a desire to overturn the international order.

If either is threatened by an external actor such as the United States, they could launch a first-use policy of nuclear weapons. In addition, the two parties are highly capable cyberwar and cyber intelligence nations which can disrupt and steal sensitive government information. 

Despite multiple UN sanctions imposed on North Korea for its weapons and ballistic missile program, Putin asserted the existence of possible military collaboration between the two nations and North Korea has pledged full support.  

Unlikely permanent alliance

The alliance between North Korea and Russia is unlikely to be tight due to North Korea's commitment to its independence especially from larger powers. Russia, mindful of North Korea's unpredictability, also seeks to avoid alienating its strategic ally, China. While the two nations may offer mutual support in the short term, a long-term alliance seems improbable, with their relationship characterized more as a strategic alignment than a formal treaty, more like a give-and-take relationship. This pragmatic bond is driven by Russia's immediate need for artillery and small arms ammunition in the Ukraine conflict.

US response

North Korea-U.S. tensions have grown increasingly hostile during the Biden administration so an alliance with Russia would mean the worse for the U.S.

The U.S. is worried that North Korea might be supplying Russia with weapons in exchange for military assistance, including advanced technologies. The Biden administration is attempting to expose the potential deal, warning North Korea that it would “ pay a price ” if it supported Russia with lethal aid.

Experts also say that what North Korea will receive from Russia in return could pose a significant threat to U.S. interests and those of its allies.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, following five years of escalating tensions on the peninsula. The Northern Korean People's Army invaded South Korea, aiming to unify the country under the communist North Korean regime. The war lasted until July 27, 1953, when an armistice was signed, agreeing to keep the country divided. The Korean War claimed over 2.5 million Korean lives, with North Korea aided by China and South Korea backed by the UN with the U.S.

Unification efforts

The Ministry of Unification , established in 1969, manages South Korea's unification policy, focusing only on North Korea, inter-Korean cooperation and economic ties.

In 1980, the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) was formed in South Korea, consisting of functional, local, and overseas members. It aimed to gather public opinions, serve as a central point for national unification preparations, and advise the President on unification policy.

In 2000, South Korean President Kim Dae-jung met North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, marking the first-ever meeting between the heads of the two Koreas. In 2007, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Jong-il of North Korea had another summit where they both emphasized the significance of unification. In their joint statements, they put forward several initial programs for unification, such as reuniting families separated by the war, humanitarian efforts, cultural exchanges, and economic development projects. Unfortunately, none of these initiatives have been consistently carried out.

South Korean President, Park Geun Hye formed a special committee in 2014 to "prepare for Korean unification," local media Daily NK reported and in 2019, South Korea’s president, Moon Jae-in, vowed to achieve the unification of Korea by 2045.

Recent Development

North Korea’s Kim has said the two Koreas are at "extreme" war and it will no longer seek reunification and reconciliation with South Korea. Speaking at the party’s end-of-year meeting, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea has dropped the decade-long reunification goal, saying reunification is impossible, local media NK News reported.

On the other side, South Korea’s top official handling inter-Korean affairs called for stepped-up efforts to prepare for reunification with North Korea in the first week of January. This came days after Kim Jong Un stated that unification was an "impossible" dream.

The unification minister said South Korea will work to “create a path that does not exist and to rediscover the path that seems to have disappeared,” local media NK News reported.

What might be hindering unification?

Geopolitical challenges involve the influence of external powers, particularly China and the United States, and North Korea's possession of nuclear capabilities. There is also a difference in the living standards and productivity between North and South Korea. Various studies on potential reunification suggest that South Korea would bear a significant portion of the economic costs due to its higher per capita GDP and more advanced economy. The concern of how the politics of a united Korea would be managed and by whom also counts.

What would a unified Korea look like? According to the “ 2040 Korea Unification Vision Report ” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea National Diplomatic Academy, if North Korea’s national income were to rise to 70% of South Korea’s by 2040-50, political unification would be achievable. Unification would make Korea the world's 7th largest economy, boasting an 80 million population.