South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces investigation amid martial law controversy

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol (File photo)

Police are investigating South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, his former defense minister, and the interior minister for treason and other crimes related to a recent martial law declaration.
The investigation follows a complaint filed by an opposition party and activists, confirmed by the national police chief during a parliamentary hearing, according to a Reuters report. Separate complaints have also been filed with the prosecution and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, both of which are considering their own investigations. The former defense minister is currently under a travel ban.
Opposition lawmakers have announced their intention to impeach President Yoon this Saturday for his attempt to impose martial law, which they describe as a power grab. The declaration, made late Tuesday, sought to control political activity and censor the media. It triggered public protests and international concern. The defense minister, who advised the declaration, has resigned.
“The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people,” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won told the National Assembly.
While the ruling People Power Party opposes impeachment, its support is necessary for the two-thirds majority required in the 300-seat parliament. The party is currently divided over the situation.
President Yoon has accepted the defense minister’s resignation and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the replacement. The interior minister and a senior military official confirmed that the former defense minister recommended the martial law declaration. The vice defense minister testified that he opposed the military mobilization and was unaware of the martial law order until it was declared. The army chief has also offered to resign.
The impeachment attempt follows an incident where troops tried to enter the National Assembly but were repelled by parliamentary aides. The troop commander said there was no intent to use firearms against the public, and no live ammunition was issued. Public protests followed, with people expressing fear of a return to past authoritarian rule. “For the sake of my children, this must be stopped no matter what,” one protester said. “We cannot go back to the 1970s.” The crisis also impacted financial markets.
If impeached, the constitutional court will decide whether to uphold the motion, a process that could take up to 180 days. The prime minister would act as leader during any suspension of Yoon’s powers. A new election would be required if Yoon resigns or is removed. Yoon narrowly won the 2022 election, but his approval ratings have remained low, and the opposition holds a majority in parliament.