South Korean police investigate President Yoon after martial law turmoil
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of alleged “insurrection” following his abrupt declaration of martial law earlier this week, which was swiftly reversed after intense political backlash.
Military officials have been questioned by members of parliament, shedding light on how the decision blindsided even top officials. Notably, Vice-Defence Minister Kim Man-seok admitted he first learned of the martial law declaration through news reports.
On Wednesday, President Yoon accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who publicly apologised for his involvement in the dramatic move. Yoon has remained silent since an emergency parliamentary vote on Wednesday forced him to abandon the martial law decision. Calls for his resignation have since intensified.
Opposition parties have escalated their efforts, tabling a motion to impeach Yoon. The motion is set to be voted on this Saturday. While the opposition only requires the support of eight ruling party lawmakers to succeed, Yoon’s party has vowed to resist any attempts to unseat him, further deepening the political crisis.
This unfolding saga marks one of the most turbulent moments in Yoon’s presidency, with the nation’s political stability hanging in the balance.
