Former Defense Minister Attempts Suicide, More Arrests Made
On Wednesday, South Korean law enforcement conducted a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office as part of an escalating probe into his controversial martial law declaration on December 3. This dramatic event involved deploying troops and helicopters to parliament in a futile bid to block lawmakers from overturning the decree.
The investigation has now led to the arrest of several high-profile officials. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was detained over the weekend, attempted suicide just before his formal arrest. According to prison officials, Kim, who had been charged with “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights,” was in stable condition following the incident.
High-Ranking Officials Arrested
Also on Wednesday, the Korean National Police Agency’s Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho and Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency head Kim Bong-sik were taken into custody. Both are implicated in the night’s events, contributing to the already turbulent political atmosphere in South Korea.
North Korea Comments on South’s Political Turmoil
North Korean state media labeled the martial law incident as a sign of “chaos” in South Korea, criticizing Yoon’s actions as reminiscent of a “fascist dictatorship.” This statement comes at a time when relations between the two Koreas are particularly strained, with North Korea’s recent missile tests breaching UN sanctions.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
President Yoon, currently facing a travel ban as part of an insurrection investigation, is experiencing unprecedented low approval ratings. Public dissent has been visible through nightly protests since his failed impeachment motion last Saturday, where despite the cold, tens of thousands called for his resignation.
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Within his own party, the People Power Party (PPP), a special task force has floated a plan for Yoon to step down in early 2025, paving the way for new elections. However, this plan has not been universally accepted within the party, suggesting further internal discord.
Impeachment Motion Looms
The opposition is set to push for another impeachment vote on Saturday, needing just eight votes from Yoon’s party to achieve the required two-thirds majority. Earlier, two PPP lawmakers had already crossed party lines to support such a motion, with two more indicating their support this week, intensifying the political pressure on Yoon.
This series of events marks a significant crisis for Yoon’s administration, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the future political landscape in South Korea.
