South Korea has been plunged into political turmoil as authorities imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial martial law declaration. The short-lived order, issued last Tuesday, sparked nationwide protests and intensified calls for Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.
President Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment over the weekend when members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. The PPP justified their decision by citing Yoon’s agreement to step down early and refrain from participating in domestic and foreign affairs. However, opposition leaders from the Democratic Party strongly criticized the arrangement, calling it an “illegal and unconstitutional second coup.”
The opposition’s floor leader, Park Chan-dae, described the deal as a betrayal of democratic values, while Representative Kim Min-seok condemned it as an unconstitutional power grab. Despite Yoon’s pledge to relinquish responsibilities, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that he retains command of the armed forces, leaving room for potential executive action. According to the BBC, This has fueled further concerns about the president’s ability to act unilaterally, should he choose to do so.
The fallout from the martial law order has been swift and dramatic. Several key figures connected to the declaration, including former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, have faced legal actions. Kim, who reportedly proposed the martial law order, was arrested on Sunday after resigning earlier in the week. Travel bans have also been placed on military leaders, including Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su.
Mass resignations have rocked Yoon’s administration, with senior aides, including his chief of staff, stepping down.
In an address to the public, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would temporarily oversee government operations while Yoon prepares for his early exit. However, the Democratic Party remains steadfast in its opposition, vowing to hold weekly impeachment votes until Yoon is removed from office.
Protests have swept the nation, with tens of thousands demanding accountability. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has promised to “return the country to normal” by the end of the year, calling Yoon’s presidency a disaster for South Korea’s democracy and economy.
In his first public apology since the declaration, Yoon pledged not to impose another martial law order, but his words have done little to quell public anger.
With South Korea’s political landscape in disarray, the nation faces uncertainty as both ruling and opposition parties continue their clash over the future of the presidency.
Photo by Hindustan Times
