South Korean authorities have intensified their investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent declaration of martial law, conducting a raid on his office and other key locations.
The Special Investigation Team confirmed Wednesday that they searched the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service, according to a message shared with AFP.
Yoon, who briefly imposed martial law on December 3, is currently under a travel ban as part of an “insurrection” probe targeting his administration.
The crackdown has already resulted in the arrest of former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who faces charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”
Late Tuesday, Kim was taken into custody following a formal arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court. “All responsibility for this situation lies solely with me,” Kim stated through his legal team, emphasizing that his subordinates were merely carrying out his orders.
Yonhap reported that Kim attempted suicide shortly before his arrest, underscoring the mounting pressure surrounding the investigation.
The martial law operation, which involved deploying troops and helicopters to parliament, aimed to prevent lawmakers from rejecting Yoon’s declaration.
Despite its failure, the move has provoked widespread public outrage, with calls for Yoon’s resignation growing louder.
Authorities also arrested Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, early Wednesday.
Both face allegations tied to the martial law operation. Meanwhile, former interior minister and the general overseeing the operation have also been banned from leaving the country.
In a rare intervention, North Korean state media weighed in on the unfolding events in the South.
A commentary described the situation as “chaos” caused by Yoon’s actions, stating, “The shocking incident of the puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing impeachment and a governance crisis, suddenly declaring a martial law decree and unhesitatingly wielding the guns and knives of its fascist dictatorship wrought chaos across South Korea.”
Yoon had previously justified his martial law decision as a measure to “safeguard South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness.”
Tensions between the two Koreas have remained high, with the North escalating missile launches in defiance of UN sanctions.
The former defense minister, Kim, also faces scrutiny for allegedly ordering strikes on North Korean sites launching trash-laden balloons and sending drones to Pyongyang to provoke a conflict.
Both actions, reportedly aimed at creating a pretext for martial law, were refused by subordinates.
Although Yoon survived an impeachment vote last Saturday, public discontent remains high, with daily protests continuing despite freezing temperatures. Polls reveal his approval ratings have hit record lows.
Within his ruling People Power Party, a special task force has suggested that Yoon resign by early spring, paving the way for elections in April or May. However, this proposal has not been formally adopted.
The opposition plans to pursue another impeachment vote this Saturday, requiring only eight PPP lawmakers to join their effort for a two-thirds majority.
Last week, two PPP members supported the motion, and two more indicated their intent to back it this time.
