South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol was banned from leaving the country on Monday, the Ministry of Justice confirmed, just days after he sparked nationwide turmoil by briefly declaring martial law.
On the night of December 3, Yoon sent special forces and helicopters to parliament after lawmakers rejected his decree, forcing him to rescind the order. The controversial leader narrowly survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, even as large crowds braved freezing temperatures to demand his resignation.
Although Yoon remains in office, he and his close allies are under investigation, including a probe into allegations of insurrection. The Ministry of Justice confirmed on Monday that Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to be barred from leaving the country.
During a parliamentary hearing on Monday, Bae Sang-up, an immigration services commissioner at the ministry, confirmed the travel ban when asked by a lawmaker, stating, “Yes, that’s right.”
In addition to Yoon, several individuals involved in the martial law episode are also under travel restrictions. These include former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is currently in detention, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung are also banned from leaving the country. Park was summoned for further questioning on Monday.
The impeachment attempt against Yoon failed when members of his own People Power Party (PPP) walked out of parliament, depriving the motion of the necessary two-thirds majority. In exchange, Yoon, 63, has reportedly agreed to delegate power to the prime minister and the PPP leader, prompting strong opposition protests.
“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, on Monday. Under South Korea’s constitution, the president is the head of government and commander-in-chief unless incapacitated, resigns, or steps down. If this occurs, power is temporarily transferred to the prime minister until new elections are held.
Opposition leaders argue that Yoon’s decision to hand over power to unelected party officials constitutes a blatant constitutional violation. “Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” Park added.
Despite the political turmoil, the Defense Ministry confirmed that Yoon retains control of the country’s military forces, which are crucial amid ongoing tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea. “Legally, control of military forces currently lies with the commander-in-chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou.
Yoon has apologized for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by the martial law declaration but has refused to resign, instead saying he would leave decisions about his fate to his party. He has also stated he would accept all political and legal responsibility for the controversial action.
There is no constitutional basis for the ruling party’s assertion that Yoon can remain in office while transferring power to unelected party officials, said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University Law School. “It resembles an unconstitutional soft coup,” Kim said. “If there are issues with the president, the constitution provides clear procedures, including impeachment.”
The opposition has vowed to pursue impeachment again, with Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung announcing a new vote on Saturday. Massive protests are expected outside the National Assembly.
Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to a historic low of 11%, according to a Gallup poll commissioned by local media.
AFP
