Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing additional criminal charges as prosecutors allege he orchestrated drone flights over North Korea to escalate tensions and justify his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office in December 2024, is already standing trial for charges including masterminding a rebellion. His successor, President Lee Jae Myung, has approved independent investigations into Yoon’s actions, including the martial law declaration and other allegations involving his wife and administration. On Monday, Yoon and two top defense officials were charged with benefitting the enemy and abuse of power related to the alleged drone flights, which occurred two months before martial law was imposed. North Korea accused Seoul of flying drones over Pyongyang in October 2024 to drop propaganda leaflets, a claim initially denied by Yoon’s defense minister but later left unconfirmed by South Korea’s military. Tensions between the two Koreas spiked during this period, though no major military actions were taken. Investigators claim Yoon’s actions aimed to create a pretext for martial law, undermining South Korea’s military interests. Yoon’s defense team has previously denied his involvement in the drone flights. If convicted of rebellion, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.