Seoul: The National Assembly has passed bills on Thursday to initiate special counsel investigations into former President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning insurrection charges linked to his unsuccessful attempt at declaring martial law, as well as allegations against his wife.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the bills received overwhelming approval with a 194-3 vote and one abstention during a plenary session dominated by the ruling Democratic Party (DP). This legislative action follows the recent inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung, a former DP leader who secured the presidency after Yoon's removal from office in April. Lee is anticipated to endorse and enact the bills, paving the way for the appointment of a special prosecutor.

The bill addressing Yoon's actions calls for a permanent special counsel to investigate 11 charges, including insurrection and military mutiny, related to his failed attempt at imposing martial law in December. The proposal, previously vetoed and discarded twice, now covers an expanded scope of charges.

In parallel, a separate bill targets former first lady Kim Keon Hee, focusing on allegations of stock price manipulation and the acceptance of a luxury bag. Additionally, lawmakers enacted a third bill aimed at probing alleged inappropriate interference by the presidential office and defense ministry in the military's investigation into a Marine's death during a July 2023 search mission.

Members of the main opposition People Power Party largely abstained from the vote, protesting the DP's unilateral advancement of these bills without bipartisan consensus. Despite the opposition, the presidential office has indicated that President Lee is unlikely to veto the bills, citing strong public support for uncovering the truth behind the alleged insurrection and other issues involving the previous administration.