South Korean Authorities Ban More Officials from Leaving as Martial Law Controversy Deepens
South Korean authorities extended their travel ban to several top officials on Tuesday, as the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to impose martial law continued to escalate.
The move follows a chaotic week in which President Yoon suspended civilian rule, deploying special forces and helicopters to parliament, only to rescind the decree after lawmakers rejected it. The unfolding crisis has prompted an investigation into Yoon and a circle of allies, with allegations of insurrection emerging amid the unprecedented events.
On Tuesday, Cho Ji-ho, the Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, along with two other high-ranking police officials, were added to the list of individuals banned from leaving South Korea. They join a group that already includes former defense and interior ministers, General Park An-su, who commanded the martial law operation, and defense counterintelligence chief Yeo In-hyung.
The crisis intensified with the arrest of former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was detained on Sunday. Prosecutors have filed a formal arrest warrant against him, charging him with engaging in critical duties during an insurrection and abusing his authority to obstruct the exercise of rights. A Seoul court is scheduled to hear the case later on Tuesday, marking the first court ruling related to the martial law incident.
Kim, in a statement issued through his lawyers, took full responsibility for the situation, stating, “All responsibility for this situation lies solely with me.” He expressed deep regret, emphasizing that his subordinates were merely following his orders.
As the political situation remains tense, Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment last Saturday after a motion failed in parliament. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in sub-zero temperatures across the country, demanding Yoon’s resignation. The impeachment motion was blocked after members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP) walked out, denying it the required two-thirds majority.
In response to the growing unrest, the PPP is reportedly drafting a “resignation roadmap,” which could see Yoon step down by February or March, ahead of fresh elections. The task force is considering two options: Yoon resigning in February with elections in April, or stepping down in March with a May vote.
The opposition has accused the PPP of orchestrating a “second coup” to maintain its grip on power. Meanwhile, ongoing civic protests, including candlelight vigils, continue to demand Yoon’s ouster.
