South Korea plunged deeper into political turmoil as police raided President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office on Wednesday, escalating an investigation into his failed attempt to impose martial law. The surprise move comes as an impeachment vote looms over the embattled leader.
The presidential security service confirmed the raid, marking a significant escalation in the probe against Yoon and top police and military officials. The national police agency has yet to comment on the search.
Adding to the crisis, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in a detention center where he is held on insurrection charges. He was found by guards and is currently under observation, according to Justice Ministry officials.
The controversy stems from Yoon’s unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3, which shocked the nation and sparked a constitutional crisis. Lawmakers, including some from his own party, defied security measures to demand that Yoon rescind the declaration, which he did hours later.
Yoon has not been seen in public since apologizing on Saturday. He is now the subject of a criminal investigation and is banned from leaving the country, though he has not been arrested or questioned by authorities.
The opposition Democratic Party is pushing for a second impeachment vote after the first attempt failed when members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the session. Some PPP members have since expressed support for the motion.
“The impeachment train has left the platform. There is going to be no way to stop it,” said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.
The crisis has raised questions about who is currently running the country. While PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stated that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would manage state affairs, this arrangement has been challenged by opposition parties and legal experts.
Further complicating matters, National Police Commissioner Cho Ji-ho was arrested on insurrection charges, accused of deploying police to block lawmakers from entering parliament after the martial law declaration.
Public unrest is growing, with the country’s metal workers’ union, including workers at Kia Corp, declaring a protest strike. Financial institution employees, including those from the Bank of Korea, plan to join rallies.
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South Korea police raid Yoon office as impeachment vote looms
cgtn.com
