South Korean police raided the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday as investigations into his controversial martial law declaration intensify. The raid marks a critical escalation in a political crisis that has disrupted governance and drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and international observers.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, a key ally of Yoon, reportedly attempted suicide at a Seoul detention center, according to Justice Ministry officials. Kim, arrested earlier on Wednesday on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, is the first individual formally detained in connection with the December 3 martial law decree.
The declaration, aimed at consolidating power, has sparked widespread protests, paralyzed policymaking, and destabilized South Korea’s financial markets. The opposition Democratic Party plans to submit a new impeachment motion against Yoon after an earlier attempt failed on Saturday.
Police officials, including National Police Agency Commissioner-General Cho Ji Ho, are also under investigation for their roles in deploying security forces to block lawmakers from overturning the martial law. Meanwhile, Yoon himself is under a criminal investigation for insurrection and has been barred from leaving the country.
Despite the opposition’s efforts to impeach Yoon, legal experts warn that removing him from office remains a complex process requiring a Constitutional Court ruling. If impeached, Yoon’s presidential powers would be suspended until the court reaches a decision.
The turmoil has attracted international attention, with North Korea’s state media condemning Yoon’s actions while South Korean citizens continue to rally for his impeachment. Political analysts describe the unfolding events as a test of South Korea’s democratic resilience.
As the situation develops, the president’s conservative party faces mounting pressure to navigate a constitutional and politically viable path forward. The stakes remain high for one of Asia’s leading democracies.
