South Korean Police Raid President Yoon’s Office as Impeachment Vote Approaches
In a dramatic escalation of the political crisis gripping South Korea, police raided the office of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Wednesday. The raid is part of an expanding investigation into the embattled leader’s failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.
According to a presidential security official, the national police presented a search warrant specifying President Yoon as the subject. While the police agency has not officially confirmed the search, the Yonhap news agency reported that investigators seized documents and electronic records from the presidential compound. President Yoon was not present during the raid, as his official residence is located elsewhere. He has not appeared in public since issuing an apology on Saturday for attempting to impose martial law.
Failed Martial Law Declaration
The investigation centers on President Yoon’s surprise declaration of martial law on December 3, which plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis. The move was met with swift opposition from lawmakers, including members of his own People Power Party (PPP). Defying a security cordon around parliament, legislators convened to demand an immediate rescission of the martial law, which President Yoon annulled hours later.
The crisis intensified as high-ranking officials came under scrutiny. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a close confidant of President Yoon, was arrested on insurrection charges. He reportedly attempted suicide in a detention center using his underwear but was found by guards and is currently under observation, according to Shin Yong-hae, the Justice Ministry’s chief of correction services. National Police Commissioner Cho Ji-ho was also arrested on insurrection charges for allegedly deploying police to block lawmakers from entering parliament during the martial law declaration.
Political Turmoil and Impeachment Efforts
The nation’s leadership is in question as the main opposition Democratic Party prepares for a second impeachment vote against President Yoon, scheduled for Saturday. “The impeachment train has left the platform. There is going to be no way to stop it,” said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung during a party meeting. The first impeachment vote on December 7 failed as most PPP members boycotted the session, but growing dissent within the PPP suggests the upcoming vote may have broader support.
Amid the turmoil, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would manage state affairs while the party seeks an “orderly” way for President Yoon to resign. However, the constitutional legitimacy of this arrangement has been questioned by opposition parties and legal scholars. The presidential office stated it has “no official position” when asked who is currently running the country.
Widening Investigations and Public Unrest
Testimonies from military officials have further implicated President Yoon. Kwak Jong-geun, commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, told a parliamentary committee that President Yoon ordered him to deploy troops to parliament to “break the door down” and “drag out” lawmakers. Similar accusations have been made against former Defense Minister Kim by military officers.
Public unrest is growing as the country’s metal workers’ union, including employees at automaker Kia Corp., declared a protest strike for Wednesday. Financial sector workers, including those from the Bank of Korea, are also planning to join the protests, signaling widespread dissatisfaction across various sectors.
Parliament is set to introduce the impeachment bill on Wednesday. A two-thirds majority in the opposition-controlled unicameral assembly is required to pass the motion. If passed, the Constitutional Court will deliberate on the case and decide whether to remove President Yoon from office.
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South Korea police raid Yoon office as impeachment vote looms
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