In an unprecedented move, South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations that President Yoon Suk Yeol staged an insurrection by imposing martial law last week.
A team of 18 investigators from the National Investigation Office of the National Police Agency (NPA) searched the presidential office, Cabinet meeting room, and Presidential Security Service for materials related to the martial law decree issued on December 3. The warrant for the raid officially named Yoon as a suspect in the case, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The investigation marks a historic moment in South Korean politics, as Yoon has become the first sitting president to be subjected to an exit ban. He faces charges of insurrection and mutiny amid allegations that he orchestrated the brief imposition of martial law.
Allegations of Insurrection
The controversy stems from claims that Yoon ordered martial law to suppress political opposition. Army Special Warfare Commander Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun testified to lawmakers on Tuesday that Yoon directed him to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly building to prevent them from repealing the martial law order.
Kwak’s testimony has intensified scrutiny of Yoon’s actions, with investigators seeking records of a Cabinet meeting held shortly before the declaration.
Nationwide Raids and Arrests
The investigation extended beyond the presidential office, with simultaneous raids conducted at the NPA, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), and National Assembly Police Guards on Wednesday.
The raids followed the emergency arrests of NPA chief Cho Ji-ho and SMPA chief Kim Bong-sik in the early hours of the day. Both officials are suspected of playing roles in the alleged plot.
Uncertainty Surrounding President’s Whereabouts
Initial reports indicated that Yoon was not present in the presidential office during the raid. However, those reports remain unverified, leaving his exact whereabouts at the time unclear.
The investigation into Yoon’s actions has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape. If found guilty, Yoon could face severe legal repercussions, further complicating his administration’s ability to govern effectively amid rising political tensions.
This is the first time in the country’s history that a sitting president has been named a suspect in an investigation involving martial law and insurrection, raising questions about the use of executive power and the independence of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
The unfolding events continue to captivate the nation, with many awaiting the results of the investigation and its potential impact on South Korea’s political future.
