Seoul, December 9, 2024 – The Europe Today: South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has barred President Yoon Suk Yeol from leaving the country as investigators examine whether his declaration of martial law last week constituted an insurrection, according to media reports.
The travel ban, approved by the Justice Ministry on Monday afternoon, follows Chief Prosecutor Oh Dong-woon’s request to lawmakers earlier in the day. Oh, who leads the Office for Investigating High-Ranking Officials, stated that the ban was necessary to facilitate ongoing search and seizure operations targeting officials involved in the martial law order.
This development marks an escalation in the political crisis ignited by Mr. Yoon’s unprecedented declaration of martial law last Tuesday. The move has led to widespread protests, a leadership vacuum, and accusations of unconstitutional conduct, further polarizing the nation.
Critics, including opposition lawmakers, have accused Mr. Yoon and key officials, such as former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, of orchestrating an insurrection. They allege that armed soldiers were dispatched to the National Assembly to seize control of the legislative body in the wake of the martial law declaration.
An attempt by opposition lawmakers to impeach Mr. Yoon on Saturday failed, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty regarding its leadership. Calls for Mr. Yoon’s resignation have intensified, with protesters demanding accountability for actions many view as a severe breach of democratic norms.
The investigation has plunged South Korea into a period of political instability, with questions looming over how the nation will resolve its leadership crisis and restore public trust.
