South Korea remains engulfed in political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration, which he later rescinded amid widespread outrage. The unfolding crisis has led to police raids, a looming second impeachment vote, mass protests, and a dramatic suicide attempt by a former top official. Here’s a detailed account of the chaos gripping South Korea.
Police Raids and Travel Bans Rock Yoon’s Administration
In an unprecedented move, police raided President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged insurrection. According to The Guardian, the probe aims to determine whether Yoon’s actions during the martial law crisis constituted treason—a charge that carries the death penalty in South Korea and is not protected by presidential immunity.
Yonhap news agency reported that Colonel Kim Hyun-tae, who led special forces into the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting, has become a focal point in the investigation. The special investigation team has raided multiple institutions, including the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service, officials told AFP.
Adding to Yoon’s woes, the Ministry of Justice imposed a travel ban on him on Tuesday, marking a first for a sitting president. The Washington Post reported that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials requested the ban, citing the need for a thorough investigation into “treasonous” activities by Yoon and his key allies.
Several top officials, including former Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, have also been barred from leaving the country. The broad scope of the investigation underscores the gravity of the allegations against Yoon’s administration.
Second Impeachment Vote Looms
President Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after lawmakers from his People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the motion, preventing the opposition from achieving the necessary quorum. Despite this, calls for Yoon’s resignation have grown louder.
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, openly criticized Yoon’s actions and hinted at his possible resignation. “The declaration of martial law was a clear and serious violation of the law,” Han told reporters. He also suggested that the PPP would develop a “resignation roadmap” for Yoon, potentially leading to his departure by early next year.
However, the opposition Democratic Party (DP) has denounced the PPP’s approach, calling it a “second coup.” Park Chan-dae, the DP’s floor leader, accused the PPP of bypassing the constitutional process for impeachment. “Neither the people, nor the law, nor anyone has given Han the power to remove Yoon from office,” the DP stated. The party has vowed to hold impeachment votes every Saturday until Yoon is removed.
If Yoon steps down before the end of his term in May 2027, South Korea’s constitution mandates a presidential election within 60 days. Such a scenario would plunge the nation into further political uncertainty.
Ex-Defense Minister’s Suicide Attempt
Amid the political upheaval, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun—who resigned after taking responsibility for the martial law declaration—attempted suicide in police custody. According to the BBC, Kim was found in the act at the Seoul Detention Center on Tuesday and was rushed to the hospital.
Kim, a close ally of Yoon, faces charges of rebellion and abuse of power for orchestrating the martial law decree and deploying troops to block parliamentary proceedings. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Despite his actions, Kim has publicly pleaded for leniency for the soldiers involved, stating that they were merely following his orders.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Yoon’s administration, with prosecutors racing to decide whether to indict Kim within the 20-day legal window.
Protests and Public Outrage
The fallout from Yoon’s failed martial law attempt has sparked mass protests across South Korea. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have gathered in near-freezing temperatures outside the National Assembly in Seoul, demanding Yoon’s resignation and the dissolution of the ruling PPP.
On Tuesday, a candlelight vigil drew an estimated 40,000 participants, according to organizers. Protesters chanted slogans like “Yoon Suk Yeol, step down” and “Disband the People Power Party.” However, police estimated the crowd size at around 6,000, highlighting a disparity in reported numbers.
Yoon’s martial law decree accused the National Assembly of paralyzing government operations through impeachment votes and budget mismanagement. He claimed the declaration was necessary to counter “North Korean communist forces” and “pro-North anti-state elements.” Yet, the swift rescission of the decree—just six hours after its announcement—has only fueled public distrust.
Yoon’s ‘Vegetative Presidency’
Political analysts describe Yoon’s presidency as being in a “vegetative state.” Though Yoon technically remains commander-in-chief, top officials have vowed to defy any new orders to impose martial law. Ha Shang-eung, a political science professor at Sogang University, told Korea Herald, “Having a ‘vegetative president’ play a role in foreign affairs is unconstitutional at its core. Moreover, how would other countries perceive this?”
Joel Atkinson, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, echoed these concerns. “Yoon is now something worse than a lame duck. Anything he touches diplomatically will be undermined,” he said.
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo have emphasized that there will be no power vacuum, with the prime minister expected to oversee state affairs if Yoon is effectively sidelined.
Martial Law: A Troubled Legacy
Martial law has a contentious history in South Korea, having been declared over a dozen times since the country’s establishment in 1948. The most recent instance occurred in 1980. Yoon’s brief revival of martial law has drawn comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past and reignited debates about the balance of power in the nation’s democracy.
In a public apology, Yoon acknowledged the anxiety and inconvenience caused by his actions. “I will entrust my party to take measures to stabilize the political situation moving forward, including my term in office,” he said. However, his words have done little to quell the mounting calls for his resignation.
What Lies Ahead?
The coming weeks will be critical for South Korea as it grapples with political instability and public discontent. With a second impeachment vote imminent and investigations into treason underway, Yoon’s presidency faces an uncertain future.
As protests continue and the opposition vows relentless impeachment efforts, South Korea stands at a crossroads. Whether Yoon steps down voluntarily or is removed through constitutional means, the nation must prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in rebuilding trust and restoring stability.