South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is under investigation for treason following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week, Al Jazeera reports, citing multiple reports.
The National Police Agency has launched an inquiry into the president, along with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, army chief of staff General Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, all accused of “treason and other related charges.”
Two complaints alleging treason have been filed against President Yoon – one from a minor opposition party and another from a group of 59 activists. The accusations stem from Yoon’s decision to impose martial law for approximately six hours on Tuesday night, citing unspecified threats from “antistate forces” and political opposition. This action was met with immediate public protests and a parliamentary vote rejecting the measure, leading to the swift reversal of the martial law declaration.
The incident saw armed South Korean troops deployed to the National Assembly building, resulting in damage to the structure. Further investigations into the events are being considered by the country’s courts and a government corruption investigation department. A travel ban has been issued for former Defense Minister Kim, who is also under investigation for sedition, with reports indicating other individuals involved are similarly restricted from leaving the country.
Kim, who reportedly advised the president on imposing martial law, resigned from his position earlier this week. He has been replaced by South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk.
An impeachment vote against President Yoon is scheduled for Saturday in parliament, initiated by the opposition Democratic Party. While Yoon’s People Power Party opposes the impeachment, the Democratic Party requires support from a portion of the ruling party to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. A successful impeachment would send the motion to the Constitutional Court for a decision, a process that could take up to 180 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume the presidency during a suspension. Removal from office would trigger a presidential election within 60 days.
President Yoon, lauded by Western leaders as an ally in countering authoritarianism, has faced criticism domestically for his rhetoric labeling opponents as “communist totalitarian and antistate forces.” He has also faced previous allegations of influence-peddling and has adopted a strong stance against labor unions.
