World
December 5, 2024 16:40
seoul - Police in South Korea are conducting an investigation into President Yoon based on complaints filed by an opposition party and activists. The investigation also extends to other key figures in the government.
The police investigation is based on complaints filed by the small opposition party Rebuilding Korea Party and a group of 59 activists, according to Yonhap news agency. President Yoon is not the only one under scrutiny. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, army chief Park An-su, and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min are among those accused of treason for their roles in declaring a state of emergency.
The South Korean army chief announced his resignation on Thursday. Park An-su was appointed as commander during the brief military state of emergency, claiming he was unaware of the declaration. The army swiftly moved to lock down the parliament building following the sudden announcement. Park stated, 'I knew nothing about troop deployment. I did not give the order.' The National Election Commission reported that soldiers not only stormed the parliament building but also the election institution office in Seoul, headquarters, and training facility in Gyeonggi province.
Kim Yong-hyun, the Defense Minister, who was allegedly aware of the announcement, is described by The Korea Times as 'the mastermind behind imposing the state of emergency.' Kim resigned on Wednesday due to his involvement in the chaotic events and has been banned from traveling. The president accepted Kim's resignation on Thursday and appointed the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the new Defense Minister.
Kim reportedly ordered President Yoon to declare the state of emergency. During the TV address on Tuesday night, the minister was said to have stayed in an underground room at his ministry, providing detailed instructions for the operation surrounding the state of emergency.
Meanwhile, six opposition parties have initiated an impeachment process against Yoon, viewing the declaration of the military state of emergency as a violation of the constitution. The main opposition party, Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), scheduled the vote for Saturday evening at 19:00 local time. The motion requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, with at least eight government party members' support. The People Power Party, however, has indicated its support for the president. DPK spokesperson Jo Seoung-lae stated, 'We want PPP members to think carefully about Yoon's unconstitutional attempt to stage a coup (...). It is time to act according to your conscience, not based on political interests.'
Yoon claimed on Wednesday that there was 'no misconduct' in declaring the state of emergency. He stated that he followed the law and accused the opposition of exploiting his actions. The president's stance has caused division within his own party. PPP member Jeong Sung-kook expressed concern that 'the severity of the situation does not seem to be getting through to the president.'
Yoon came to power in 2022 and has seen a rapid decline in popularity. He has frequently clashed with the opposition, which now holds a majority in parliament and is squeezing the president. Many citizens are dissatisfied with Yoon's economic and education policies. Additionally, Yoon and his wife have been implicated in various scandals, with the first lady facing corruption allegations.