Prosecutors have accused suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of instructing the military to use force while trying to expel lawmakers from parliament who were voting against his martial law decree.
On December 3, Yoon allegedly authorized troops to “break down the doors and drag them [lawmakers] out, even if it means firing guns,” as stated in the impeachment indictment against him.
The orders were reportedly issued to a general tasked with blockading the National Assembly amid Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law, which was ultimately rejected by MPs who gained access to the building.
Yoon’s cabinet later revoked his decree, which led to the vote for his impeachment by the National Assembly.
Under South Korea’s impeachment procedure, Yoon is currently suspended from his presidential responsibilities while the constitutional court deliberates on his impeachment. A confirmation would lead to his permanent removal from office.
During his announcement of military rule, Yoon claimed it was necessary to counter “anti-state forces” within parliament, an assertion critics have interpreted as an attempt to resolve a political deadlock following a significant opposition victory in April.
In response to his late-night address, opposition lawmakers and protesters gathered at the National Assembly but were met with police and military barricades. When MPs attempted to enter the building, prosecutors allege Yoon instructed General Lee Jin-woo of the capital defense command that military force could be used to gain access.
Yoon is quoted as allegedly saying to General Lee, “Tell (your troops) to go to the voting chamber, four for each (lawmaker) and carry them out,” and “What are you doing? Break down the doors and drag them out.”
Following the MPs’ vote to annul the martial law, Yoon purportedly told General Lee to “keep going,” suggesting he could initiate martial law repeatedly, according to the indictment.
Evidence in the indictment reportedly includes testimonies from former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was also indicted for allegedly relaying Yoon’s directives to General Lee multiple times on December 3. Kim allegedly instructed military leaders to seize the National Elections Commission office and arrest its personnel using aggressive means, including cable ties and other materials prepared for such actions.
Kim remains in detention pending trial, as stated in a press release by investigators.
The martial law declaration has thrown South Korea into a prolonged political crisis.
Opposition leaders swiftly denounced Yoon’s actions as unconstitutional, with the head of Yoon’s own conservative party labeling it “the wrong move.”
On the same day, the National Assembly also voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, who was seen as unable to facilitate the impeachment process for Yoon.
Han has agreed to vacate his position, leading to the finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, stepping in as acting president.
Rallies featuring thousands of protesters have unfolded across South Korea, some of whom are calling for Yoon’s arrest.
Kwon Jung-hee, participating in a protest in Seoul, expressed that while Han’s impeachment was a significant step, “there are still too many mountains to climb.” She emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for the country during these turbulent times.
This political instability has adversely affected the economy, with the national currency plunging to its lowest level against the dollar since the global financial crisis 16 years ago.
