South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been placed under a travel ban amid an ongoing investigation into his short-lived martial law declaration last Tuesday. The move comes after Yoon narrowly avoided dismissal over the weekend when lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote.
PPP members justified their stance by citing Yoon’s agreement to shorten his term and abstain from foreign and domestic affairs. However, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, has criticized the deal. Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae labeled it “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”
Protests have swept across the nation, with tens of thousands demanding Yoon’s resignation or dismissal. Following the failed dismissal, authorities have taken action against several officials linked to the martial law order. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly proposed the declaration, was arrested on Sunday after resigning and apologizing for his role. Travel bans have also been imposed on Kim, Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, Army Chief of Staff Park An-su, and others.
Resignations have further shaken the administration. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min stepped down on Sunday, citing his failure to serve the public and the president effectively. On Wednesday, senior aides in Yoon’s office, including his chief of staff, tendered mass resignations shortly after the martial law order was lifted.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would manage government affairs until Yoon’s early resignation. “The President will not be involved in any state affairs including diplomacy before his exit,” Han stated.
However, opposition leaders remain unconvinced. Park Chan-dae criticized the PPP’s plan, calling it unconstitutional. Similarly, Democratic Party Representative Kim Min-seok questioned the ruling party’s authority, stating, “Nobody gave [PPP leader Han] the power to make such decisions.”
Despite these assurances, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that Yoon retains command of the armed forces, leaving him capable of executive decisions if he chooses. “The president can take the lead again any time he changes his mind,” warned political science professor Shin Yul.
On Saturday, Yoon issued a public apology, pledging not to impose martial law again and expressing regret for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused. Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has vowed to continue pursuing his dismissal, promising to “return this country to normal” by the end of the year.
