South Korean President Banned From Leaving Country

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was banned from leaving the country on Monday, according to the Justice Ministry.

The move came less than a week after Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law, which plunged the nation into turmoil.

On the night of December 3, Yoon dispatched special forces and helicopters to parliament in an attempt to impose martial law. However, lawmakers quickly rejected his decree, forcing him to rescind the order.

The incident was part of a broader crisis for the president, who narrowly survived an impeachment motion in parliament on Saturday.

Meanwhile, large crowds braved freezing temperatures across the country to demand his resignation.

Despite holding onto office, Yoon faces mounting legal challenges, with investigations into his actions and those of his close allies intensifying, including a probe into allegations of insurrection.

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The Justice Ministry confirmed on Monday that Yoon has become the first sitting South Korean president to be banned from leaving the country.

In addition to Yoon, several other key figures involved in the martial law incident have also been placed under travel bans.

These include former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is currently in detention, and former interior minister Lee Sang-min.

General Park An-su, who oversaw the martial law operation, and defense counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung are also restricted from leaving the country. Park was summoned for further questioning on Monday.

The impeachment attempt against Yoon failed after members of his own party, the People Power Party (PPP), walked out of parliament, denying the motion the necessary two-thirds majority.

In exchange for their walkout, the PPP claims that Yoon, 63, has agreed to transfer his executive powers to the prime minister and the leader of the PPP.

This move has sparked outrage from opposition members, with Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae calling it “an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup.”

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Under South Korea’s constitution, the president serves as both head of government and commander-in-chief of the military unless incapacitated, resigns, or steps down.

In such cases, the prime minister would temporarily assume power until new elections are held.

Opposition leaders argue that Yoon’s arrangement, which places power in the hands of unelected officials, constitutes a “blatant constitutional violation” and an unconstitutional power grab.

“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” Park said.

Despite the political upheaval, the South Korean Ministry of Defense confirmed on Monday that Yoon remains in control of the nation’s military forces. “Legally, control of military forces currently lies with the commander-in-chief,” said a Defense Ministry spokesperson.

Yoon has apologized for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law decree but has resisted calls to step down, instead deferring decisions about his future to his party.

He has also pledged to take full political and legal responsibility for the martial law incident.

Legal experts, however, argue that there is no constitutional basis for the ruling party’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while transferring power to unelected party officials.

Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University, described the situation as resembling an “unconstitutional soft coup.” He added, “If there are issues with the president, the constitution provides a clear process, such as impeachment, to address them.”

Opposition leaders have already vowed to attempt another impeachment vote, with a new motion scheduled for Saturday.

As protests continue, large crowds are expected to gather once more outside the National Assembly.

Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to an all-time low of 11%, according to a Gallup poll commissioned by local media, reflecting the widespread discontent with his leadership.