South Korea’s chief prosecutor has imposed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently under investigation following last week’s surprise declaration of martial law.
Several senior officials in Yoon’s administration have also been restricted from leaving the country.
The martial law order, though short-lived, has ignited widespread protests, with tens of thousands demanding Yoon’s resignation or impeachment.
Despite these calls, a vote to impeach the president failed on Saturday. In response, the ruling People Power Party announced that its leader, Han Dong-hoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over government operations until Yoon steps down.
In a Sunday address, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon declared that Yoon would abstain from all state affairs, including foreign and domestic policies, until his “orderly exit.”
I Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will oversee government functions in the interim.
“The president will not be involved in any state affairs, including diplomacy, before his exit,” Han stated.
This announcement has been met with strong opposition. Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae labeled the plan “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.” Representative Kim Min-seok echoed these sentiments, asserting that no one had granted the PPP the authority to assume presidential powers.
“The Prime Minister and the ruling party’s announcement that they would jointly exercise the powers of the president, which no one has given them, is clearly unconstitutional,” Kim said, according to The Korea Herald
South Koreans have taken to social media to express concerns over a leadership vacuum, with many questioning who is truly in charge of the nation.
While the Ministry of National Defence clarified that President Yoon retains command of the armed forces, political experts warn that Yoon could reclaim full executive powers at any time.
“No one will be able to stop him if Yoon insists,” said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.
On Saturday, Yoon made his first public appearance since the martial law declaration, apologizing for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his actions. He also pledged not to impose martial law again.
Despite the failed impeachment vote, the opposition Democratic Party remains resolute in its efforts to remove Yoon from office.
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung vowed to continue holding impeachment votes every Saturday until success is achieved.
“We will definitely return this country to normal by Christmas and the end of the year and give it to you as a Christmas and end-of-year gift,” Lee told supporters after Saturday’s failed attempt.
In a Monday press conference, Lee intensified his criticism of Yoon, accusing the president of “destroying” South Korea’s democracy and economy.
As tensions rise, South Korea faces a turbulent political landscape, with mounting pressure on Yoon to resign amid ongoing investigations and public dissatisfaction.
