South Korean authorities have imposed travel bans on additional top officials following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to impose martial law. The bans now include Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, and two other senior police officials, Yonhap reported Tuesday.
This move comes a day after Yoon himself was barred from leaving the country amid investigations into an alleged insurrection linked to his suspension of civilian rule last week. The embattled president had deployed special forces and helicopters to parliament, a decision that lawmakers swiftly overturned, casting a shadow over South Korea’s reputation as a stable democracy.
Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was detained on Sunday, faces charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.” Prosecutors filed a formal arrest warrant for him late Monday. In a statement issued through his lawyers, Kim accepted full responsibility for the chaos, apologizing to the nation and stating that his subordinates were merely following orders.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) is reportedly drafting a “resignation roadmap” to preempt further impeachment efforts by the opposition. Options under consideration include Yoon stepping down in February with an April election or resigning in March with a vote in May.
The president narrowly survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after PPP members walked out of parliament, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority. However, public outrage persists, with tens of thousands of protesters braving freezing temperatures to demand Yoon’s resignation.
Civic groups continue to stage nationwide candlelight vigils, and opposition lawmakers are expected to introduce another impeachment motion later this week. The situation remains volatile as the country braces for more political turmoil.
