A former South Korean defence minister charged with insurrection for his role in a short-lived martial law attempt told a court on Thursday that he wanted a broader military deployment but was overruled by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol last month, but the Constitutional Court will decide whether to formally dismiss or reinstate him.

South Korean anti-corruption agency wrapped up a preliminary investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated martial law declaration, and asked prosecutors to indict the impeached leader on charges of insurrection.