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South Korean authorities are seeking to indict President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law last month, which was brief but significant. The ousted defense minister, who testified during the proceedings, suggested that President Yoon aimed for a more extensive military presence than was ultimately implemented.
In a court hearing on Thursday, Yoon defended his decision to impose martial law on December 3, asserting that it was intended to alert the public about the risks posed by an opposition-controlled National Assembly. He contended that the measure was rescinded rapidly due to the Assembly’s rejection of his decree shortly thereafter.
Yoon explained, “The declaration of martial law was not meant as a threat to the opposition. My aim was to engage the public in exercising stricter oversight and criticism of their actions.” He added that warnings issued to the opposition would have been ineffective.
On December 14, Yoon faced impeachment and suspension by the Assembly, and the Constitutional Court is currently deliberating his potential ousting or reinstatement.
During the same court session, defense minister Kim Yong Hyun, who was in office during the martial law declaration, sided with Yoon’s narrative. He stated that he had developed the martial law decree and presented it to Yoon. Kim, now in custody, revealed that Yoon had requested the removal of a public curfew from the proposal and instructed a limited military deployment at the Assembly, as well as a prohibition on troops carrying live ammunition.
When queried by Yoon’s legal team, Kim affirmed that Yoon had rejected recommendations to mobilize the full military capabilities available in Seoul and had considered deploying units to various political locations. Kim has previously maintained that he bears sole responsibility for the martial law imposition and has faced serious mental health struggles during his detention.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon, representing conservative interests, has encountered persistent opposition from the liberal Democratic Party, which has challenged his agenda and impeached several officials from his administration. In his martial law announcement, Yoon characterized the Assembly as a “den of criminals” impeding governmental processes and expressed his intent to combat what he described as “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.”
Allegations of Power Abuse
Yoon’s imposition of martial law, the first in South Korea in over four decades, lasted a mere six hours. He ordered troops and police to the National Assembly; however, sufficient lawmakers entered the chamber to unanimously vote for the rescission of the emergency declaration.
While both Yoon and Kim maintain that the military presence was a measure to preserve order, opposition parties and investigators allege that their intentions were to obstruct the Assembly and detain dissenters. Both officials have vehemently denied these claims.
During Kim’s testimony, Yoon was observed nodding in agreement at various points. Meanwhile, Kim, who provided critical testimony, has been detained since shortly after the martial law declaration followed by a troubling suicide attempt in custody.
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On Wednesday, law enforcement arrested Yoon amid an investigation into potential insurrection charges. He referred to the inquiry as an unlawful probe, insisting on his cooperation solely to prevent further disturbances. A formidable presence of approximately 3,000 police officers, equipped with ladders and wire cutters, was deployed to his residence as he was taken into custody.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has alleged that Yoon, in collaboration with Kim and other military leaders, instigated rebellion through what they claim was a “riot” intended to undermine the constitution with the martial law declaration. Allegations of power abuse have also surfaced, citing the mobilization of troops for an improper purpose and impeding the Assembly’s voting rights.
Rebellion carries severe legal consequences in South Korea, potentially including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Following detention, Yoon has resisted questioning, asserting that the investigation, as well as his arrest, lack legitimacy.
Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lee Jae-seung publicly criticized Yoon’s continual non-cooperation, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Yoon’s martial law decision has left a profound impact on South Korean political dynamics and financial markets, straining the nation’s international reputation. His ongoing defiance, coupled with opposition calls for his removal, has further exacerbated the deep political rifts within South Korea.
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