South Korea’s political turmoil intensified on Sunday as prosecutors named President Yoon Suk Yeol a subject of a criminal investigation following last week’s controversial martial law declaration. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested the same day, further deepening the crisis.
The declaration, issued Tuesday and rescinded just six hours later, granted the military sweeping emergency powers to counter what Yoon described as “anti-state forces.” The move sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with opposition lawmakers and citizens accusing Yoon of unconstitutional overreach.
Thousands protested in Seoul on Sunday, demanding Yoon’s impeachment and the disbandment of his ruling People Power Party. Although Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote in parliament on Saturday, party leader Han Dong-hoon announced that the president would step back from foreign and state affairs, with plans for an early resignation.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) rejected the arrangement, calling it another unconstitutional attempt to delegate presidential authority. “Yoon must immediately relinquish all powers to control the military and face prosecution,” the DP said in a statement.
Prosecutors have formally named Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su in an investigation into insurrection—a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment. Kim, believed to be a key figure in the martial law plan, was arrested after voluntarily appearing for questioning.
The crisis has also unsettled South Korea’s military leadership. Multiple commanders have publicly stated they would refuse to enforce any further martial law orders, raising concerns about the chain of command in one of the world’s largest militaries.
The leadership vacuum threatens to strain relations with allies, including the U.S. and Japan, while emboldening North Korea. “Pyongyang may seek to exploit Seoul’s divisions, though it is likely to observe developments closely for now,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University.
With no clear resolution in sight, the crisis poses the greatest challenge to South Korea’s democracy in decades, raising questions about the stability of its government and military leadership.
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