South Korean police raided the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday as part of an intensifying investigation into his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month. The raid, which also targeted the National Police Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service, comes as the president faces mounting scrutiny and public backlash.
The martial law declaration led to dramatic events on December 3, including the deployment of troops and helicopters to parliament in a failed attempt to block lawmakers from rejecting the move. President Yoon, already under a travel ban, is the focus of an "insurrection" probe into his administration’s actions.
Adding to the tension, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, detained over his role in the incident, attempted suicide late Tuesday night before his formal arrest. Authorities reported he was in good health by Wednesday. Kim is accused of abusing his authority during the insurrection and obstructing others' rights. Through his lawyers, he accepted sole responsibility for the situation, stating that his subordinates were following his orders.
Police also arrested Cho Ji-ho, head of the National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, early Wednesday.
Public and Political Fallout
President Yoon defended his martial law decree as a necessary measure to protect South Korea from "communist threats" from North Korea and "anti-state elements." However, his actions have sparked widespread protests, with tens of thousands calling for his resignation.
North Korean state media condemned the situation, describing it as the “chaos of a fascist dictatorship.”
Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, but opposition lawmakers continue to push for his removal, with another motion expected this week.
A task force within Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) has proposed that the president resign by March, followed by elections in April or May, but the plan has yet to gain full party support.
Rising Tensions with North Korea
The controversy coincides with heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Relations between the Koreas have reached a low point, with the North launching ballistic missiles in violation of UN sanctions. Former Defence Minister Kim allegedly escalated tensions by ordering provocative drone operations over Pyongyang and advocating strikes on sites launching balloons from the North, actions reportedly intended to justify martial law.
As protests persist and political divisions deepen, Yoon’s presidency faces an uncertain future.