South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Travel Ban and Possible Insurrection Charges
South Korean authorities have imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as prosecutors weigh possible insurrection charges over his botched attempt to impose martial law last week. The travel ban was confirmed by the Corruption Investigation Office on Monday.
Yoon’s political survival now hangs in tatters after surviving an impeachment vote in an opposition-led parliament on Saturday. His party has previously said they will seek his resignation and urged the president to be suspended from duties to protect the country from “grave danger.”
Last week, Yoon declared martial law in a televised announcement, but it was quickly blocked by lawmakers who forced their way past troops deployed outside the National Assembly building. The declaration of a military emergency, although lasting only six hours, has stirred widespread anger across the country.
Yoon has apologized to the nation for the botched attempt, acknowledging that he “caused anxiety and inconvenience” to South Korean citizens. He said the decision stemmed from his desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs.
Meanwhile, a commander of South Korea’s special forces has apologized for ordering his troops to storm parliament during the martial law declaration, saying he placed them in “grave danger.” Col. Kim Hyun-tae described himself as an “incompetent and irresponsible commander” and blamed the country’s former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun for “exploiting” soldiers during the chaotic night.
South Korea’s national police are also investigating former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and other top officials for alleged treason. Kim Yong-hyun was detained by prosecutors on Sunday.
The crisis has sparked widespread anger and protests across the country, with many calling for Yoon’s resignation. The situation remains tense, with the country’s leaders facing intense scrutiny and potential legal consequences.