South Korean authorities have imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol amid an ongoing investigation into his brief declaration of martial law last week. The move follows escalating political turmoil and widespread public protests.
President Yoon narrowly escaped impeachment over the weekend after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) abstained from the vote. The PPP’s decision came after Yoon agreed to shorten his term and abstain from both foreign and domestic duties. Despite this, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, strongly condemned the arrangement.
Floor leader Park Chan-dae denounced it as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have rallied across the country, calling for Yoon’s resignation. In the aftermath of the failed impeachment, several key officials linked to the martial law order have faced repercussions. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly advised the declaration, was arrested on Sunday following his resignation.
Travel bans have also been imposed on key military figures, including Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su.
Senior officials, including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min and Yoon’s chief of staff, resigned in the wake of the controversy. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would manage government affairs going forward, with Yoon stepping back from his involvement in both domestic and foreign matters.
However, opposition leaders have criticized the plan as unconstitutional, claiming that it effectively grants the ruling party and prime minister presidential powers they do not hold. Yoon has apologized to the nation for his actions, vowing not to impose another martial law order. Despite this, the opposition remains committed to seeking his impeachment, promising to hold weekly votes until they achieve success.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung also emphasized the need for Yoon’s resignation, asserting that his actions were harming South Korea and its economy.
Philips Babatunde