The 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 Korea's anti-corruption agency that is leading a criminal investigation into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law said on Thursday it will transfer the case to the prosecutors' office for an indictment.