Dec 5, 2024 - Politics & Policy

South Korean police investigate President Yoon after martial law chaos

Rebecca Falconer

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks during the declaration of emergency martial law at the Presidential Office on December 03, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. — South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks during his since-retracted declaration of emergency martial law at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday. Photo: South Korean Presidential Office via Getty Images

South Korean police announced an "insurrection" investigation into President Yoon Suk-Yeol and other top officials in relation to his since-retracted martial law declaration following a formal complaint from opposition lawmakers, per multiple reports.

Why it matters: Presidential immunity does not apply to this crime in South Korea and it can carry the death penalty, AFP notes.

The big picture: Yoon, who accepted his defense minister's resignation earlier Thursday following the short-lived emergency martial law, is also facing an impeachment vote that's expected to occur by Saturday.

State of play: Yoon cited concerns about "pro-North Korean" elements when he declared emergency martial law on Tuesday.

However, he lifted the order that was approved by his Cabinet after about six hours following pressure from his own party and a vote from the opposition-led legislature to revoke the motion.
The action triggered a wave of protests and opposition lawmakers submitted a motion to impeach the president on Wednesday.
The floor leader of Yoon's People Power Party said all of its lawmakers would vote against the measure, per The Guardian. The bill requires eight ruling party lawmakers to vote with opposition parties to pass.

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South Korean police investigate President Yoon after martial law chaos

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