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South Korean Police Attempt Search of President Yoon’s Office Amid Martial Law Probe
South Korean police try to search President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office amid investigation into martial law declaration. Political crisis deepens with impeachment calls.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-11
South Korean Police Attempt Search of President Yoon’s Office Amid Martial Law Probe

South Korean police made an attempt on Wednesday to search President Yoon Suk Yeol's office as part of a growing investigation into his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. However, police were unable to enter the main building of the presidential compound due to a lack of agreement with the Secret Service on how to carry out the search, Yonhap news reported.

The investigation into Yoon's martial law decision has significantly escalated the political crisis in the country. Yoon is now facing criminal charges for alleged insurrection, and he has been banned from leaving the country, although he has not been arrested or questioned by authorities as of yet.

The martial law declaration plunged South Korea, the fourth-largest economy in Asia, into a constitutional crisis. Yoon's move to declare emergency rule was swiftly rejected by lawmakers, including members of his own party. The martial law order was rescinded within hours, but the fallout has continued, leading to multiple arrests and the ongoing investigation.

Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a close ally of Yoon, along with two senior police officers, has been arrested on charges of insurrection. Kim reportedly attempted suicide in custody late on Tuesday, but he was later found alive and is under medical observation. He has resigned from his position and apologized for his role in the emergency declaration.

Yoon’s government has been under intense scrutiny since the martial law episode, with calls for his resignation and impeachment gaining momentum. His office has been under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, with officials indicating the possibility of Yoon's arrest. The country’s National Police Chief, Cho Ji-ho, was arrested earlier on Wednesday for his role in blocking lawmakers from entering parliament during the martial law declaration.

Yoon's handling of the crisis has led to growing public discontent, with opposition parties now planning to introduce a new impeachment motion against him. The Democratic Party (DP) has gathered enough support to potentially remove Yoon from office, with only eight members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) required to vote in favor of impeachment for the motion to pass.

If the motion is approved in parliament, it will then be sent to the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to remove Yoon from office. The country is witnessing large-scale protests, with unions, including metal workers at Kia Corp, planning strikes, and financial institution employees preparing to join rallies demanding political change.

The situation in South Korea is rapidly unfolding, with political instability at an all-time high. Yoon’s future as president remains uncertain, and the country is facing a critical moment in its democratic process.

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