South Korea’s Leadership Crisis Deepens
South Korea’s leadership crisis escalated on Sunday as President Yoon Suk Yeol became the subject of a criminal investigation following last week’s failed attempt to impose martial law. The former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Yoon survived an impeachment vote in parliament on Saturday, but the leader of his own party announced that he would be excluded from his duties before resigning. This move was met with criticism from opposition lawmakers who viewed it as an unconstitutional power grab.
Thousands of citizens gathered in Seoul calling for Yoon’s impeachment, arrest, and the disbandment of his ruling party. The martial law declaration by Yoon plunged the country into a major political crisis, jeopardizing its democratic reputation.
Yoon’s People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hoon, stated that Yoon would not be involved in state affairs before his early resignation. However, National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik deemed this delegation of authority unconstitutional and proposed immediate suspension of Yoon’s presidential power.
Criminal Probe and Arrest
Prosecutors named Yoon as a subject of a criminal investigation, with three opposition parties filing a complaint against him, ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, and martial law commander Park An-su for insurrection. Kim was arrested and questioned in connection with the martial law attempt.
In response to the crisis, military leaders have vowed to reject any orders to impose martial law again. The confusion over presidential authority and military command has raised concerns about national security and North Korea’s reactions to the situation.
The leadership crisis in South Korea has the potential to undermine efforts to deter North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, with analysts warning of possible exploitation by Pyongyang amidst the political turmoil.
