South Korea is in political upheaval as police reportedly consider imposing an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol amid an investigation into rebellion charges linked to his recent declaration of martial law.
The martial law decree last week, which deployed armed special forces into Seoul, has sparked intense controversy. Opposition lawmakers labeled the move an “unconstitutional coup” and filed complaints against Yoon and several others, including the former defense minister.
Despite presidential immunity shielding Yoon from most prosecutions, charges of rebellion or treason are exceptions. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, accused of advising Yoon on martial law, has already been detained, while three top military commanders have been suspended over their alleged involvement.
President Yoon, grappling with low approval ratings and an opposition-controlled parliament, issued an apology on Saturday, expressing willingness to face legal or political accountability. Opposition parties, undeterred by a failed impeachment attempt, plan to submit a new motion this week.
This crisis underscores the deep divisions in South Korea’s political landscape, with Yoon’s declaration branding parliament as a “den of criminals” and pledging to root out alleged “anti-state forces.”
