South Korean police raid presidential office over martial law investigation

South Korean police raided the Presidential Office in Seoul on Wednesday as part of an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.

The raids extended to the National Police and Seoul Metropolitan Police headquarters, marking a significant escalation in the probe into Yoon’s controversial decision. In a seperate news

The operation followed an announcement by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik that parliament would invoke its investigative authority regarding the martial law declaration.

A day prior, South Korea’s National Assembly had passed a resolution calling for President Yoon’s “immediate” detention over the December 3 declaration.

In related news, the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration continues to reverberate, with opposition leaders urging the Constitutional Court to determine the legality of Yoon’s actions.

The controversy took a tragic turn as former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a central figure in the investigation, reportedly attempted suicide just hours before his formal arrest.

Background on the martial law declaration

President Yoon announced martial law during a televised speech late on December 3, citing alleged “anti-state activities” by opposition groups. He defended the move as necessary to “eradicate pro-North Korea forces” and safeguard the “constitutional order of freedom.”

The declaration prompted immediate backlash, with critics accusing Yoon of attempting to suppress opposition under the guise of national security. The Defense Ministry subsequently instructed military commanders to remain on high alert, and troops designated as “martial law forces” reportedly entered the National Assembly building.

In an emergency parliamentary session, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to nullify the martial law decree, with 190 members supporting the motion. The National Assembly announced the declaration was rendered “invalid” following the vote.

President Yoon later convened a Cabinet meeting to formally terminate the martial law, bowing to mounting political and public pressure.

‘Treason’ investigation on South Korean president

Authorities are now investigating Yoon on charges including “treason,” “attempted armed insurrection,” and “abuse of power.” A travel ban has been imposed on the president as part of the inquiry.

This development underscores the intensifying political turmoil in South Korea, with Yoon facing mounting scrutiny and opposition over his controversial actions. Further details on the investigation and potential legal repercussions are awaited.