ISTANBUL

South Korea launched a new special counsel Wednesday to investigate remaining suspicions surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid in 2024, according to a local media report.

A new special counsel team formally launched the probe, which will be led by Special counsel Kwon Chang-young, said Yonhap News Agency.

The team will be reopening investigations into insurrection charges stemming from Yoon's failed bid to impose martial law along with corruption allegations tied to former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the 2023 death of a Marine.

Among the key issues under review are allegations that officials under Yoon’s administration sought to provoke North Korea by staging armed helicopter flights near the inter-Korean border.

The latest development came after the National Assembly passed a new special counsel bill last month after three special probes ended without fully addressing 17 major allegations, such as suspected planning made ahead of Yoon's martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024.

"While the three special counsels produced many results since their launch, the second special counsel has been established reflecting the public's belief that there have been shortcomings," Kwon said in a briefing.

The new team’s mandate runs for at least 90 days and can be extended twice, allowing the inquiry to continue for up to 170 days, including a 20-day preparatory period.

Yoon was handed a life sentence Thursday for leading an insurrection in connection with his attempt to impose martial law.

Last month, Yoon was also sentenced to five years in prison on charges that he obstructed an attempt by investigators to detain him last year.

The ousted president has faced eight trial proceedings, including two in which he has been convicted.​​​​​​​