South Korean police raided President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on Wednesday as the investigation into his controversial martial law declaration intensified.
Prison authorities also reported that the country’s former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, attempted suicide shortly before his formal arrest over events surrounding the night of December 3, when troops and helicopters were sent to parliament in a failed effort to prevent lawmakers from voting down Yoon’s martial law declaration.
Yoon, who is facing significant unpopularity, is already under a travel ban as part of an “insurrection” investigation into his inner circle. On Wednesday, a special investigation unit of the South Korean police raided not only the presidential office but also the National Police Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service. No further details were provided.
Kim, who was arrested on Sunday, attempted suicide shortly before midnight on Tuesday (1500 GMT). Authorities said he was in good health by Wednesday. He faces charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.” Kim expressed through his lawyers that he bore full responsibility for the situation, claiming that his subordinates were simply following his orders.
Along with Kim, former interior minister Cho Ji-ho and General Kim Bong-sik, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were arrested early Wednesday, police confirmed.
‘Fascist dictatorship’
North Korean state media weighed in on the unfolding crisis, calling it “chaos” and criticizing President Yoon. The commentary accused Yoon of leading a “fascist dictatorship” after declaring martial law in response to mounting political instability. Yoon’s declaration of martial law was partly justified by concerns over threats from North Korea and the need to suppress “anti-state elements.”
Tensions between the two Koreas have been escalating, with North Korea firing multiple ballistic missiles in violation of UN sanctions. Kim, the former defense minister, had been accused by opposition lawmakers of ordering strikes on North Korean launch sites and possibly using drones to provoke a conflict, which some believe would serve as a pretext for declaring martial law.
Ongoing unrest
Yoon survived an impeachment motion in parliament on Saturday, despite massive protests across the country, with tens of thousands braving freezing temperatures to demand his removal. Smaller protests have continued each evening since, with polls showing record-low public support for the president.
A special task force within Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) proposed that Yoon resign by February or March, with fresh elections to follow in April or May. However, the proposal has not yet been formally adopted by the party.
Even if it is approved, it may not prevent another impeachment attempt. The opposition only needs eight members of Yoon’s own party to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. Two PPP lawmakers supported the motion last week, and two others have said they will join them in voting for it on Saturday.
This unfolding drama, which has deeply divided the country, continues to cast uncertainty over South Korea’s political future.
AFP
