South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been placed under a travel ban as authorities investigate his brief martial law declaration made last Tuesday. This move follows his narrow survival of an impeachment vote over the weekend, after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) chose to boycott the vote. The PPP’s decision came after Yoon agreed to limit his involvement in both foreign and domestic affairs and to shorten his term in office.
Despite the failed impeachment, opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party, have criticized the agreement, with floor leader Park Chan-dae calling it “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.” Public protests have erupted, with thousands demanding Yoon’s resignation or impeachment in response to the martial law order.
The investigation has led to several key figures involved in the incident facing consequences. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly suggested the martial law declaration, was arrested on Sunday. Kim had resigned earlier, taking responsibility for the incident. Travel bans have also been imposed on other individuals, including Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su. Many others have stepped down from their positions, such as former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min and senior aides in Yoon’s office.
The opposition continues to denounce the PPP’s proposal for Yoon to step back from his duties. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Yoon would no longer be involved in state affairs, leaving Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to manage government functions until Yoon’s anticipated early resignation. However, the Democratic Party leaders have labeled this plan as unconstitutional, criticizing the ruling party for overstepping its bounds.
While Yoon’s power has been diminished, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that he still holds command of the military, and he retains the ability to take executive decisions should circumstances change, particularly regarding national security issues like North Korea.
In his first public address since the martial law order, Yoon apologized for the turmoil caused and vowed not to impose martial law again. Despite his apology, the opposition remains resolute in its push to impeach him. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, after the failed impeachment vote, promised to continue efforts to remove Yoon, expressing concerns about the harm Yoon’s actions were causing to South Korea’s stability and economy.
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