South Korean police reported on Wednesday that security guards blocked a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s offices. This operation investigated his brief martial law declaration, leading to accusations from the opposition. They claim the presidential staff are protecting an insurrectionist.
In a defiant address, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has vowed to fight “until the very last minute”. Read more: https://t.co/ZrGAe8fqWi pic.twitter.com/5JL5hxl13P
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) December 12, 2024President Yoon cannot travel internationally as investigations continue into his associates’ involvement in the December 3-4 events that shocked allies.
After a lengthy standoff at the presidential offices, police stated Wednesday evening, “The special investigation team is discussing office seizure and search with the presidential staff and security.”
The main opposition Democratic Party threatened legal action against the presidential staff and security for insurrection if they continued to block law enforcement.
DP lawmaker and spokesperson Jo Seung-lae criticized the protection provided by the office staff and security, stating, “They are not protecting the head of state but an insurrectionist.” Additionally, authorities reported that former defence minister Kim Yong-Hyun attempted suicide just before his late Tuesday arrest.
Kim, implicated in declaring martial law, was detained on Sunday and later charged with “engaging in critical insurrection duties” and “abusing authority.”
According to the justice ministry and prison officials, he was in good health on Wednesday.
Travel bans also affect the former interior minister and the general in charge of the martial law operation. Police also arrested two senior officials early Wednesday.
#SouthKorea's President Yoon defends martial law. #NorthKorea notes South Korea's 'public anger' against Yoon. @SehgalRahesha tells you more. pic.twitter.com/ha7R1ftr00
— WION (@WIONews) December 12, 2024The defense ministry, National Police Agency, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials have formed a joint unit to hasten the investigation into the martial law case.
Relations between North and South Korea are at a low, with the North continuing missile tests in defiance of UN sanctions. Amidst this, North Korean state media condemned Yoon’s martial law as “fascist dictatorship” chaos.
