SEOUL: South Korean authorities imposed travel bans on several high-ranking officials on Tuesday, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law, Yonhap reported.
This move came a day after President Yoon himself was hit with a travel restriction, while his political party began developing a “resignation roadmap.” Reports suggest Yoon could step down in February or March, potentially ahead of new elections.
Last week, Yoon suspended civilian rule and deployed special forces and helicopters to parliament. However, lawmakers forced him to revoke the order, in what is considered an unprecedented breach in South Korea’s stable democracy.
Authorities are investigating Yoon and a group of his allies, many from the same educational background, for potential charges of insurrection related to the unusual events.
On Tuesday, Cho Ji-ho, the commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, along with two other senior police officials, were added to the list of those banned from leaving the country, Yonhap reported. Other individuals already under travel restrictions include the former defense and interior ministers, martial law commander General Park An-su, and defense counterintelligence chief Yeo In-hyung.
Kim Yong-hyun, the former defense minister, was arrested on Sunday, and prosecutors filed a formal arrest warrant for him on Monday. He faces charges for “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abusing authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”
A Seoul court is set to decide on the warrant for Kim later Tuesday, marking the first legal action stemming from the martial law controversy.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kim took full responsibility for the situation, apologizing deeply to the South Korean people. He clarified that his subordinates were merely following his orders in executing their duties.
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Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment attempt in parliament on Saturday after tens of thousands of protesters braved freezing temperatures to demand his removal. On Monday, civic groups held additional candlelight vigils across the country, with several thousand gathering outside parliament in Seoul.
The impeachment motion failed when members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the session, preventing the two-thirds majority needed for success. The PPP has since announced that Yoon, 63, has agreed to transfer power to the prime minister and party chief. This agreement has led the opposition to accuse the ruling party of attempting a “second coup.”
Reports on Tuesday indicated that the PPP is preparing to unveil a “resignation roadmap” to avoid a new impeachment motion, which the opposition plans to introduce in parliament on Saturday. The party’s task force is reportedly considering two options: Yoon stepping down in February with an April election, or resigning in March with a May election.
