Seoul: Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team announced Monday the indictment of 58 individuals, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a comprehensive 180-day investigation into allegations involving Yoon, his wife, and key administration officials. This declaration marks the conclusion of an inquiry initiated in February, designed to revisit and expand upon matters not fully addressed by three prior special counsel teams.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the investigation by Kwon's team reopened inquiries into insurrection charges linked to Yoon's unsuccessful 2024 martial law endeavor, in addition to corruption allegations concerning former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and the 2023 death of a Marine. The probe concluded with Yoon being charged for allegedly abusing his authority by directing officials to validate his failed martial law attempt to international partners, including the United States.

The investigation also led to the indictment of former National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and former Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo for their purported involvement in the case. Additional indictments were issued for former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Myung-soo and former National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong, who were implicated in participating in an insurrection under Yoon's martial law plan.

Yoon's wife, Kim, was separately indicted on charges of meddling in the presidential residence relocation project in 2022, allegedly diverting the project to an unqualified company. With the investigation reaching its conclusion, Kwon's team has passed 46 cases involving 150 individuals to the police for further examination.

Kwon highlighted the constraints faced during the investigation due to the 180-day timeframe and suggested the establishment of a permanent special investigation team to tackle insurrection-related charges comprehensively. "A long-term investigation is necessary as the nature of insurrection crimes is collective, organized, and protracted," Kwon stated during a press conference. He emphasized the need for a "systematic and long-term investigation" through the formation of a specialized team incorporating various investigative agencies.