South Korean authorities have escalated their investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law by raiding his office and other key locations.
The Special Investigation Team confirmed on Wednesday that it searched the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service, as reported by AFP.
Yoon, who briefly imposed martial law on December 3, is now under a travel ban as part of an ongoing “insurrection” probe into his administration.
The crackdown has already led to the arrest of former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun. He faces charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”
Kim was taken into custody late Tuesday after the Seoul Central District Court issued a formal arrest warrant. Through his legal team, Kim accepted responsibility, stating, “All responsibility for this situation lies solely with me,” while noting that his subordinates were simply following orders.
Yonhap reported that Kim attempted suicide shortly before his arrest, highlighting the intense pressure surrounding the investigation.
Authorities also arrested Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, early Wednesday. Both face charges linked to the martial law operation.
In addition, former interior minister Lee Joon-ho and the general overseeing the operation have been barred from leaving the country as investigations continue.
The martial law operation, which involved deploying troops and helicopters to parliament, was designed to prevent lawmakers from rejecting Yoon’s declaration. However, the move failed and provoked widespread outrage.
Public protests have intensified, with calls for Yoon’s resignation growing louder. Despite freezing temperatures, daily demonstrations persist, and recent polls show Yoon’s approval ratings at record lows.
The opposition plans to pursue another impeachment vote this Saturday. They require only eight lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party to join their effort for a two-thirds majority. Last week, two PPP members supported the impeachment motion, and two more have indicated they will back it this time.
In a rare move, North Korean state media commented on the situation, calling it “chaos” caused by Yoon’s actions.
A commentary stated, “The shocking incident of the puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing impeachment and a governance crisis, suddenly declaring a martial law decree and unhesitatingly wielding the guns and knives of its fascist dictatorship wrought chaos across South Korea.”
Yoon defended his martial law decision as necessary to “safeguard South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness.”
Tensions between the Koreas remain high, with the North escalating missile launches in defiance of UN sanctions.
Kim Yong-hyun also faces allegations of ordering strikes on North Korean sites launching trash-laden balloons and of sending drones to Pyongyang in an alleged attempt to provoke a conflict and create a pretext for martial law. Both actions were reportedly refused by subordinates.
Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote last Saturday, but his political future remains uncertain. Within the PPP, a special task force has proposed that he resign by early spring to allow elections in April or May, though the suggestion has yet to be formally adopted.
