South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk-yeol, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been barred from leaving the country. The unprecedented measure, reported by Yonhap news agency on Monday, comes amid an investigation into President Yoon’s abrupt declaration of martial law last week.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials requested the travel restriction as part of its probe into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration. Several law enforcement agencies, including public prosecutors and police, are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the controversial move.
Overseas travel bans have already been imposed on four other key figures involved in the martial law turmoil, including two top military commanders and the former interior minister. The intensifying scrutiny reflects growing concerns over potential misuse of authority at the highest levels of government.
In a related development, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea submitted bills earlier on Monday to investigate charges of alleged insurrection by President Yoon and a scandal involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The party proposed appointing special counsels to delve into the botched martial law declaration and various allegations surrounding the First Lady.
Despite the escalating situation, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu confirmed that control of the country’s military forces currently remains with President Yoon as the commander-in-chief. When questioned about whether a suspect in an insurrection case should hold such powers, Jeon affirmed the military’s adherence to constitutional protocol.
Adding to the tensions, Kim Hyun-tae, head of the 707th Special Mission Group, accused former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun of using soldiers to storm the National Assembly after the martial law was declared on December 3. In a press conference on Monday, Kim Hyun-tae stated that his troops were victims who were merely following orders, and he pledged to bear all legal responsibility.
The special prosecution investigation team questioned former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun for the third time on Monday morning. Kim Yong-hyun was arrested on emergency charges of treason, abuse of power, and other allegations related to the martial law declaration.
As the investigations deepen, South Korea faces a period of political uncertainty, with potential implications for domestic stability and international relations. The unfolding events are being closely monitored by observers both within the country and across the global community.
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S. Korean Justice Ministry imposes travel ban on President Yoon
cgtn.com
