South Korea presidential office raided amid crisis

According to the reports on Wednesday (11 December), South Korea is grappling with political upheaval following police raids on the presidential office in Seoul. The raids were conducted after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law last week. Yoon, despite facing an impeachment vote and accusations of insurrection and treason, has refused to step down, prompting multiple government investigations.

The political crisis deepened when former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who accepted responsibility for the martial law declaration, attempted suicide while in detention. Though his condition has stabilized, his arrest and the resignations of several officials close to Yoon have added to the turmoil. Lawmakers from the ruling party have attempted to shield Yoon by boycotting the impeachment vote after he agreed to limit his term and step back from domestic and foreign affairs.

However, the opposition Democratic Party, holding a parliamentary majority, denounced the deal as unconstitutional and labeled it a second coup attempt. Protests have continued across the country, with demonstrators demanding Yoon’s resignation. His authority remains unclear as both political and public pressure intensify.

Experts believe that Yoon’s impeachment and possible arrest are increasingly likely, with legal investigations accelerating. Analysts caution that the political landscape remains unpredictable, as past presidential investigations in South Korea have taken unexpected turns. This latest crisis marks one of the most turbulent episodes in the nation’s political history.

References

• South Korea Faces Political Turmoil Amid Presidential Raids