South Korean authorities have imposed travel bans on additional high-ranking officials, according to Yonhap News Agency, as investigations continue into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to declare martial law.
A day after Yoon himself was barred from leaving the country, his political party began drafting a “resignation roadmap” that could see him step down as early as February or March, with fresh elections to follow.
Last week, Yoon temporarily suspended civilian rule, deploying special forces and helicopters to parliament in a dramatic move that lawmakers swiftly overturned. The crisis has sparked allegations of insurrection against the president and his close allies, many of whom share ties from the same alma mater.
On Tuesday, Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency, along with two other senior police officials, became the latest figures prohibited from traveling abroad, Yonhap reported. Others already barred include former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Interior Minister, martial law commander General Park An-su, and Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was detained on Sunday, and prosecutors filed a formal arrest warrant against him late Monday. He faces charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”
A Seoul court is expected to rule on the warrant Tuesday, marking the first judicial decision stemming from the martial law incident. Through his lawyers, Kim issued a public apology, taking full responsibility for the situation. He emphasized that his subordinates were only following his orders.
President Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment on Saturday after members of his People Power Party (PPP) walked out of a parliamentary vote, denying the opposition the two-thirds majority needed. However, civic groups continue to protest nationwide, holding candlelight vigils and demanding his resignation.
The PPP is reportedly preparing a resignation plan to prevent a renewed impeachment attempt. Local media suggest two scenarios: Yoon stepping down in February with elections in April or resigning in March with a May vote.
The opposition has accused the PPP of orchestrating a “second coup” by negotiating power transfers to the prime minister and party leader, heightening political tensions in the country.
