Authorities in South Korea have enacted a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently facing scrutiny over his brief declaration of martial law made last Tuesday.
Yoon has managed to evade an impeachment motion brought against him over the weekend following a boycott of the vote by members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP).
Members of the PPP announced their decision to oppose the motion following President Yoon’s agreement to reduce his term and refrain from engaging in foreign and domestic matters.
The opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, has strongly criticized the deal. Floor leader Park Chan-dae described it as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in the wake of Yoon’s brief martial law declaration, demanding his resignation or impeachment.
In the aftermath of the unsuccessful impeachment motion, significant actions have been directed towards several key individuals associated with the martial law order.
On Sunday, former Defence Minister Kim Hyun, who is said to have suggested President Yoon declare martial law, was taken into custody. On Wednesday, he submitted his resignation following an apology stating he would assume “full responsibility” for his actions.
Kim, Lee, Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su have been subject to travel restrictions.
A significant number of individuals have resigned from their positions.
Among those stepping down is former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who announced his resignation on Sunday. He cited his failure to adequately serve the public and the president.
On Wednesday, senior aides from Yoon’s office, including his chief of staff, submitted mass resignations just hours after lifting the martial law declaration.
The opposition has labelled the PPP proposal as a ‘second coup.’
During a public address on Sunday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Yoon would step back from foreign and domestic affairs until his early resignation. He further stated that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would oversee government operations during this period.
“The President will refrain from participating in any state matters, including diplomatic engagements, before his departure,” stated party leader Han.
Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae has characterised the proposed plan as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”
Representative Kim Min-seok of the Democratic Party has strongly criticised the plan, asserting that “nobody gave” PPP leader Han the authority to make such decisions.
“According to a report by The Korea Herald, he stated that the prime minister and the ruling party’s declaration to jointly wield presidential powers, which has not been granted to them, is unconstitutional.”
During a briefing on Monday, the Ministry of National Defence affirmed that the president maintains command over the armed forces. President Yoon retains the theoretical ability to make executive decisions in the context of foreign policy incidents, including potential threats from North Korea.
“The president has the opportunity to assume leadership once more should he decide to alter his stance,” stated political science professor Shin Yul from Myongji University in an interview with The Korea Herald.
“If Yoon remains resolute, it appears that no one will be able to intervene.”
On Saturday, Yoon addressed the nation, apologizing during his first public appearance following the declaration of martial law. He committed to refraining from enacting another martial law order and regretted the “anxiety and inconvenience” he had caused.
The opposition remains steadfast in their commitment to impeach Yoon, declaring that they “will not give up” and pledging to conduct impeachment votes against him every Saturday.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung addressed a disheartened audience following the unsuccessful impeachment effort on Saturday, assuring them, “We will return this country to normal by Christmas and the end of the year, presenting it to you as a Christmas and end-of-year gift.”
During a press conference on Monday, he reiterated his call for Yoon’s resignation, asserting that Yoon’s actions were “destroying” South Korea and its economy.
