South Korea, December 5, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)-South Korean police have launched an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol for potential insurrection following his declaration of martial law, which has sparked widespread criticism and political turmoil. Woo Jong-soo, the head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, confirmed that the case had been assigned for investigation during a parliamentary session.
On Tuesday, President Yoon’s controversial decision to impose martial law, aimed at banning political activities and censoring the media, sparked widespread outrage both within South Korea and internationally. The move was intended to suppress growing unrest, but it led to a dramatic standoff. Armed military troops attempted to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul, triggering a tense confrontation. The situation was diffused only when parliamentary aides, wielding fire extinguishers, confronted the soldiers and forced them to retreat.
In reaction to the unfolding chaos, opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party have revealed plans to hold a vote this week to impeach President Yoon. They argue that the declaration of martial law has led to widespread confusion and fear among South Koreans. During an early morning session in the National Assembly, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won condemned the decision, stating, “The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great confusion and fear among our people.”
If the impeachment motion succeeds, it would require at least eight members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to support it, achieving a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. However, the PPP remains largely opposed to impeachment, with several prominent figures backing President Yoon as he faces one of the most significant challenges to his presidency.
In an effort to stabilize the situation, President Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who had advised him to declare martial law and had ordered the deployment of troops to parliament. This decision was made without the knowledge of Vice-Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho, who later expressed regret for failing to prevent the military intervention. At a parliamentary hearing on Thursday, Kim Seon-ho stated, “I have fundamentally opposed the mobilization of military forces under martial law and have expressed negative opinions about it.”
Summary: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces growing opposition calls for impeachment after declaring and quickly rescinding martial law. Critics accuse him of interference in military investigations, fueling political unrest.