South Korean authorities intensified their investigation into the controversial martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol with a raid on his presidential office on Wednesday.
The unprecedented action, part of a wider probe into alleged insurrection, also targeted the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service.
The raid comes amid escalating political turmoil following Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, which saw troops deployed to parliament in a failed bid to prevent lawmakers from annulling the decree.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a central figure in the probe, reportedly attempted suicide while in custody on Tuesday night but is said to be in stable condition. Kim faces charges of insurrection and abuse of authority. Through his lawyers, he has accepted full responsibility, stating that his subordinates were merely executing his orders.
North Korea weighed in on the crisis, calling Yoon’s actions the result of a “fascist dictatorship” in a commentary published on Wednesday.
Yoon, already under a travel ban, narrowly avoided impeachment last Saturday. However, his approval ratings have plummeted to record lows, with ongoing public protests demanding his resignation.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has proposed a roadmap for Yoon’s resignation by March, followed by elections in May. The proposal has yet to be adopted, as opposition lawmakers prepare a fresh impeachment motion.
