South Korean police searched President Yoon Suk-yeolS office following the declaration of martial law last week, a move that plunged Asia’s fourth-largest economy into crisis and caused alarm among his allies.
Motion to impeach South Korea’s president fails due to his party’s boycott in the assembly
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that Wednesday’s search was part of an attempt by the police force to determine whether Yoon’s actions, supported by other top officials in his administration, constituted an insurrection, a crime that does not give right to presidential immunity and may carry the death penalty.
A special examination unit confirmed that it had raided the presidential office and other agencies. “The Special Investigation Team carried out a raid on the Presidential Office,the National Police Agency,the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the National Assembly Security Service,” the unit said in a message sent to ‘Agence france-presse.
News of the raid came as authorities reported that Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, had attempted suicide at the seoul detention center where he had been held since Sunday.
Kim,who was formally arrested late Wednesday after a court approved an arrest warrant against him for allegedly playing a key role in a rebellion and abusing power,was in stable condition,Shin Yong-hae,general commissioner of the Korean Prison Service.
Kim became the first person detained under the Dec. 3 martial law decree and now faces charges including “engaging in critical tasks during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”
A spokesman for Seoul’s Central District Court told AFP that Kim’s formal detention was due to concerns that evidence might be destroyed.
Two senior police officials were also arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, as investigations into the political unrest triggered by the declaration of martial law gathered pace.
At least several hundred protesters gathered outside the national Assembly on Tuesday evening, waving glow sticks and carrying signs that read: “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, the criminal of the insurrection.”
Local media reported Tuesday that the offices of ruling party lawmakers were vandalized, with one image showing a door covered in what appeared to be ketchup, and eggs and flour scattered on the floor.
Protesters also sent condolence flowers to offices, normally reserved for funerals, to express their opposition to the boycott, holding signs reading: “Accomplices to the insurrection.”
Local police in Seoul’s Dobong district told AFP that an unspecified “weapon” was found outside the residence of PPP lawmaker Kim Jae-sub, who called for increased security.
Yoon suspended civilian rule a week ago and sent special forces and helicopters to Parliament, before lawmakers forced him to revoke the decree in a country supposedly a stable democracy.
Kim expressed remorse on Tuesday, saying through his lawyers that “all responsibility for this situation lies solely” with him. He apologized “deeply” to the South Korean people and said his subordinates were “simply carrying out my orders and completing their assigned tasks.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the head of the army’s special warfare Command, Kwak Jong-geun, told lawmakers that Yoon had ordered him to prevent enough lawmakers from gathering in Parliament to vote against the martial law decree.
“The president called me directly through a discreet line. He said the quorum had not yet been reached and ordered me to quickly break down the door and remove the people (legislators) inside,” Kwak said.
Yoon’s ruling party has announced it is indeed drawing up a “resignation roadmap” that could see him resign in February or March, before new elections are held, while the opposition plans to hold a recall vote every Saturday .
A day after Yoon was banned from traveling abroad, authorities barred other top officials from leaving the country, including Cho Ji-ho, general commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency, police told all ‘AFP.
Cho and Kim Bong-sik, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were arrested Wednesday morning without a warrant, Yonhap news agency reported. They can be held for up to 48 hours for questioning before formal arrest.
Former defense and interior ministers and martial law commander general park An-su, who along with other top officials were questioned by lawmakers on tuesday, are already banned from travel.
Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment attempt in Parliament on Saturday, when tens of thousands of people braved freezing temperatures to demand his ouster. The motion failed after members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) prevented it from gaining the necessary two-thirds majority.
The PPP claims that Yoon, 63, agreed to hand over power to the prime minister and party chief, prompting the opposition to accuse him of a “second strike”.
A party working group was reportedly studying two options for the future, including Yoon resigning in February with an election in April, or resigning in March with a vote in May.
Given that the opposition has 192 seats in Parliament, out of 300, it is indeed enough for eight PPP members to vote in favor of a new impeachment motion for it to be approved.
the South Korean president was banned from leaving the country while he was under investigation for imposing martial law
Last week, two PPP MPs – Ahn Cheol-soo and Kim Yea-ji – voted in favor, and two more on Tuesday said they would support the motion this time.
How are international communities responding to the declaration of martial law in South Korea?
Time.news Interview: The Implications of Martial Law in South Korea
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news.Today, we’re diving into a pressing situation in South Korea following the declaration of martial law and it’s repercussions. Joining us is Dr. Min-seok Lee, a political analyst and expert on South Korean governance. Dr. Lee, thank you for being here.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s an critically important topic, and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent search of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office. What does this say about the current political climate in South Korea?
Dr.Lee: The search of the presidential office is unprecedented and highlights meaningful turmoil within the government. The police claim they are investigating whether the president’s actions could constitute insurrection, which is a severe allegation that carries serious consequences, including potential criminal charges devoid of presidential immunity.
Editor: Indeed,and the situation seems to be escalating rapidly. Can you provide some context about the martial law that was declared last week?
Dr. Lee: Certainly. the declaration of martial law has essentially overthrown civilian governance and raised many concerns both domestically and internationally. In South Korean history, martial law was used in the past during authoritarian regimes, so it invokes deep mistrust and fear among the population. Yoon’s management appears to be in crisis mode, responding to widespread protests and political upheaval.
editor: Speaking of protests, there have been reports of significant public outcry, including vandalism and marchers demanding the president’s impeachment.How do you see public sentiment evolving?
Dr. Lee: The protesters are expressing profound dissatisfaction, and their actions—such as vandalizing ruling party offices and labeling Yoon’s government as “criminal”—indicate a deep sense of betrayal among the populace. The wave of protests shows that many citizens feel that their democratic rights are under threat due to martial law. As the situation escalates, public sentiment could either galvanize further dissent or lead to increased repression from the government.
Editor: Considering recent events, what impact could this situation have on South Korea’s economy?
Dr.Lee: The economic implications could be severe. South Korea is Asia’s fourth-largest economy, and political instability can deter investment and disrupt markets. With ongoing protests, coupled with government crackdowns, the threat of a prolonged crisis looms, which could affect trade relationships and local businesses’ confidence. Investors typically prefer stable environments; thus, uncertainty can lead to economic downturns.
Editor: We’ve also heard of serious consequences for high-ranking officials, such as the former defense minister attempting suicide and the arrest of police officials.How does this reflect on the administration’s approach to dissent?
Dr. Lee: The administration’s approach seems to be increasingly punitive. The situation with the former defense minister shows how dire things have become—he’s facing serious charges involving insurrection. This kind of crackdown suggests that any dissent within the ranks of the government or military will not be tolerated, which could further alienate those who may have supported Yoon at some point.
Editor: what do you predict for the future of President Yoon’s administration amid these crises?
Dr. Lee: It’s tough to predict, but given the current trajectory, Yoon may struggle to retain power if the protests continue and public support dwindles. The failed impeachment motion highlights division within the assembly, but if the opposition capitalizes on the growing dissent, Yoon may find himself increasingly isolated. It’s an evolving situation that requires careful monitoring.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights into this intricate and evolving issue. It will certainly be interesting to see how events unfold in South Korea.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to stay informed about these developments.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with Time.news for the latest updates on this and othre international issues.