Ex-South Korean President Yoon to face insurrection trial

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will face a criminal trial on Monday for insurrection following his brief attempt to impose martial law in December, which led to political chaos.

Yoon ordered the suspension of political activities and media censorship on December 3, but the decree lasted only six hours before opposition MPs voted it down. The failed attempt resulted in Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly, and the Constitutional Court removed him from office on 4 April.

Despite losing his presidential privileges, Yoon still faces insurrection charges. His trial begins Monday. Yoon was arrested in January, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be detained. After a February court ruling, he was released 52 days later due to procedural issues in his detention.

If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

On Friday, the 64-year-old former president moved out of the presidential residence and returned to his private home, promising to continue serving the country.

A snap election to choose his successor will be held on June 3, with Han Duck-soo serving as acting president until then.