South Korean President faces travel ban amid martial law investigation

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been barred from leaving the country as authorities intensify investigations into his brief imposition of martial law last week, which led to political turmoil in the nation.

Although, the controversial state of emergency, declared last Tuesday, lasted only six hours before parliament intervened to block the decree, but the announcement spurred widespread protests and led to soldiers being deployed on the streets of Seoul.

Justice ministry official Bae Sang-up confirmed on Monday that President Yoon is restricted from overseas travel, following requests from police, prosecutors, and an anti-corruption agency. Although sitting presidents in South Korea are immune from prosecution while in office, this immunity does not extend to allegations of treason or rebellion.

The opposition Democratic Party has condemned the martial law declaration, calling it an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup.” The party has filed complaints against nine individuals, including President Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun.

Prosecutors detained Kim on Sunday, marking the first arrest in the investigation. Allegations suggest he advised Yoon to impose martial law. Additionally, three senior military commanders were suspended last week for their suspected involvement in the episode.

President Yoon initially defended his actions, stating the military was deployed to “defend the constitutional order and eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces.” However, he issued a public apology on Saturday, acknowledging the chaos caused by the decree.

“It was driven by desperation,” Yoon said, adding, “I am truly sorry to those who had been surprised.”

Despite surviving an impeachment vote last week—largely due to a boycott by members of his party—Yoon’s presidency remains precarious. Opposition parties have vowed to introduce a new impeachment motion against him this week.

While legal experts highlight that President Yoon could technically face arrest due to the treason exemption, analysts believe this scenario is unlikely at present. Nonetheless, the martial law crisis has deepened political divisions and cast uncertainty over his leadership.

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