South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been hit with an unprecedented travel ban by the Ministry of Justice amid investigations into his recent declaration of martial law. This marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has been barred from leaving the country.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials requested the travel restriction as part of its probe into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. Several law enforcement agencies, including public prosecutors and police, are examining President Yoon’s abrupt imposition of martial law last week.
Travel bans have also been imposed on four other key figures involved in the martial law declaration, including two top military commanders and the former interior minister.
In a related move, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea has submitted bills seeking to appoint special counsels to investigate President Yoon’s actions and various allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu confirmed that President Yoon remains the commander-in-chief of the country’s military forces, despite the ongoing investigation. Questions have been raised about whether a suspect in an insurrection case should retain such powers.
Adding to the turmoil, Kim Hyun-tae, head of the 707th Special Mission Group, claimed that his soldiers were ordered to storm the National Assembly on December 3 and are victims used by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. At a press conference, Kim Hyun-tae stated that his troops were simply following orders and that he would take full legal responsibility.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was questioned by the special prosecution team for the third time on Monday, facing charges of treason, abuse of power, and other offenses following his emergency arrest.
The political crisis has gripped South Korea, with many watching closely as events unfold and the implications for the nation’s leadership become clearer.
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S. Korean Justice Ministry imposes travel ban on President Yoon
cgtn.com
