The South Korean president faces mounting legal and political battles after impeachment by parliament.
SEOUL: Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol refused calls from investigators today to answer questions regarding his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.
Impeached by parliament and barred from office since Saturday, Yoon is under investigation for alleged insurrection by South Korean prosecutors and a joint task force of police, defense ministry officials, and anti-corruption investigators.
The Constitutional Court began impeachment proceedings against Yoon today, with a six-month timeline to decide whether to uphold parliament’s decision. If found guilty, Yoon and his associates could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. He remains under a travel ban during the investigation.
Yoon’s office rejected an official request for him to appear for questioning on Wednesday, prompting investigators to consider seeking a court-issued arrest warrant should he persist in his refusal.
The impeachment stems from Yoon’s short-lived attempt to suspend civilian governance through martial law on December 3, which plunged South Korea into its deepest political crisis in years. If the Constitutional Court confirms his removal, fresh presidential elections must be held within two months.
In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president.
‘Top Priority’ Case
A spokesperson for the Constitutional Court announced today that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 27, which Yoon is not obligated to attend.
“This case will be given top priority,” spokesperson Lee Jean said, adding that investigation records from the prosecution, police, and other authorities will be promptly reviewed.
Protests have gripped Seoul since Yoon’s martial law decree, with large crowds both opposing and supporting the embattled president. Demonstrators from both camps have vowed to maintain pressure as the court deliberates his fate.
In related developments, police arrested the current and former heads of the Defense Intelligence Command, as well as Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Army Special Warfare Command, in connection with the martial law bid. Kwak is accused of deploying special forces to parliament, resulting in a tense standoff with legislative staff.
Apologies and Resignations
Han Dong-hoon, head of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), resigned today, distancing himself from the martial law incident and expressing support for the impeachment.
“I sincerely apologize to the people for the turmoil caused by the emergency martial law declaration,” Han said in a press conference. He condemned “extremists such as election fraud conspiracy theorists,” warning that conservatism has no future if the party aligns with such views.
Reactions at Home and Abroad
While South Korea grapples with the political fallout, acting president Han Duck-soo has sought to project stability. Han held a call with U.S. President Joe Biden, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations. He also directed heightened military vigilance against North Korea amid ongoing tensions.
North Korea, for its part, labeled Yoon a “ringleader of rebellion” in its first official response to the impeachment. State media described South Korea as being “in chaos” and accused Yoon of attempting to shift blame for the martial law debacle onto opposition parties.
Relations between the two Koreas remain at a historic low, with North Korea ramping up ballistic missile tests in defiance of UN sanctions.
The Road Ahead
As the Constitutional Court evaluates the case, South Korea finds itself at a critical crossroads. Whether Yoon’s impeachment is upheld or overturned, the outcome will likely reshape the nation’s political landscape for years to come.
