South Korea imposes travel ban on President Yoon as investigation continues
South Korea’s chief prosecutor from the Corruption Investigation Bureau has imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an investigation following his shocking martial law declaration last week. Similar bans have been placed on several senior officials in Yoon’s administration.
The martial law order, though short-lived, ignited widespread protests across the country. Tens of thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets, demanding President Yoon’s resignation or impeachment. However, a parliamentary vote to impeach Yoon failed on Saturday, leaving the country in political limbo.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) announced that its leader, Han Dong-hoon, along with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, would manage the government until Yoon’s “orderly exit.” In a public address on Sunday, Han stated that Yoon would no longer participate in foreign or domestic affairs until his early resignation.
This announcement drew sharp criticism from the opposition Democratic Party, with floor leader Park Chan-dae denouncing the plan as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.” Representative Kim Min-seok echoed this sentiment, asserting that PPP leader Han had no authority to assume such control.
The Democratic Party has vowed to hold weekly impeachment votes against Yoon until he is removed from office. Meanwhile, public concern has grown over the unclear chain of command, with many South Koreans expressing confusion on social media about who is leading the nation.