Displaying items by tag: Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested, ending weeks of standoff at his fortified residence. Yoon recorded a video before being taken to a detention centre, criticising the ‘collapse of the rule of law’. While he complied with the arrest warrant to prevent violent clashes, he has refused to cooperate with investigators. The arrest involved 3,200 officers, some scaling barriers to access the property. A standoff earlier this month delayed his detention as his presidential security service resisted, leading to the arrest of its acting chief. Yoon’s martial law declaration on 3 December, which deployed troops to the National Assembly, lasted hours before lawmakers voted to end it. His impeachment on 14 December suspended his powers, with the opposition accusing him of rebellion. He had defended his actions as a warning to the opposition, whom he called ‘anti-state forces’. Pro- and anti-Yoon protests have drawn thousands in Seoul since his impeachment.

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol faces political turmoil after his controversial declaration of martial law on 3 December triggered calls for impeachment and police investigations into alleged insurrection. Opposition lawmakers accuse him of abusing power to suppress dissent under the guise of countering North Korea. The impeachment motion, set for a Saturday vote, requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, with opposition parties needing eight votes from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) to pass. The martial law declaration, made during a late-night televised address, sparked immediate backlash. Armed troops attempted to block parliament but were repelled. Critics called the declaration unconstitutional. Yoon’s actions have divided his party and drawn widespread criticism. If he were to be impeached, the constitutional court would determine the outcome; prime minister Han Duck-soo could act as interim leader.

The liberal opposition, led by the Democratic Party (DPK), has secured a significant election victory, winning 192 out of 300 seats in South Korea’s national assembly. The result is seen as a midterm assessment of President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership, as his People Power Party (PPP) suffered a crushing defeat. His party leader has resigned, and the prime minister has offered to do so. The DPK will now be able to fast-track and push legislation through parliament. Its leader Lee Jae-myung may now be emboldened to consider another presidential run. Mr Yoon is under pressure to address a number of issues including rising food prices, a rapidly ageing population and an ongoing doctor's strike. His wife's involvement in a gift controversy and corruption allegations against senior PPP members add to his challenges. The DPK, while celebrating its victory, also faces its own controversies and internal struggles, including corruption allegations.