A joint investigative body was formed on Wednesday to investigate President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law, amid concerns over overlapping investigations into the high-profile case that deals with allegations of insurrection of a sitting president. The Korean National Police Agency's National Office of Investigation said it would work together with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the Defense Ministry "to leverage the stren

Politics Dec. 11, 2024

The Justice Ministry said Monday that it had issued a travel ban on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, shortly after he was booked over his short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3, a rare move against a sitting president. The decision came after a number of investigative agencies, including the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, requested that the embattled president be banned from traveling overseas hours after the police said they were considering the measure

Social Affairs Dec. 9, 2024

Seven people have been confirmed dead after their boat capsized off the coast of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, the Pohang Coast Guard Station said Monday. According to the Coast Guard, a 29-ton Geumgwang fishing vessel carrying eight crew members collided with a cargo ship before capsizing at around 5:43 a.m. Out of the eight crew members on the fishing vessel, only seven have been found by the Coast Guard, as a search is still underway to find the remaining crew member. As for the cargo

Social Affairs Dec. 9, 2024

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday accepted the resignation of Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who is believed to have played a key role in the martial law debacle late Tuesday. Lee’s resignation comes a day after the Democratic Party of Korea submitted an impeachment motion against the former minister, accusing Lee of plotting the martial law plan and advocating for it. The motion was due to be voted on Tuesday. “I deeply acknowledge my responsibility for failing to work

Politics Dec. 8, 2024

After the National Assembly failed to pass the motion to impeach South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo vowed Sunday morning to “humbly seek cooperation” with the ruling People Power Party to “ensure all state functions operate smoothly and stably.” However, the opposing Democratic Party of Korea denounced such plans, claiming that such measures are “unconstitutional.” According to the Constitution, the prime minister is

Politics Dec. 8, 2024

The Korean National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation initiated a search and seizure operation at the home and office of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday, as part of an investigation into the declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol late Tuesday. Kim was also put under emergency arrest, and his phone was confiscated by the prosecution on Sunday, as he is suspected of abusing his authority and using violence to exercise power after the

Social Affairs Dec. 8, 2024

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to “take full responsibility” and “present a concrete plan to address the crisis. “ “Impeachment is not the only answer,” Oh said through a Facebook post. “The president must break his irresponsible silence.” Yoon hasn’t made a public appearance since ending the emergency martial law declaration early Wednesday. “As the ruling party, it is our duty to alleviate public anx

Politics Dec. 6, 2024

Since South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration Tuesday, ruling People Power Party chair Han Dong-hoon has publicly denounced Yoon and his decree, unlike the majority of his party. “Those responsible for unsettling the public and causing harm through unconstitutional martial law, including the president, must be held strictly accountable,” Han stated during Thursday’s party meeting. Though Han stated that he would work to block the impeachment motion

Social Affairs Dec. 5, 2024

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon described President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law late Tuesday as “an act that fundamentally violated the essence of democracy,” calling for an investigation. "What is most urgent now is a thorough investigation,” said Oh, during a press briefing on Wednesday, hours after the presidential measure was stopped by the parliament. “We must hold accountable all those who participated in this ‘act of democratic destruction.&r

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

-Yoon to face deepening political isolation amid growing threats of impeachment -All senior aides, Cabinet members offer to resign -Opposition submits bills to impeach Yoon, defense minister -Offering to resign, defense minister apologizes, says will take sole responsibility -Ruling party, PM convene at presidential office, PPP split on severing ties with Yoon -Supreme Court chief justice says illegality of martial law declaration will be reviewed -Armed troops forcibly enter Assembly for 1st ti

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

High-ranking political officials, including ruling party members, the prime minister and presidential aides, were not notified in advance of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, according to local media reports Wednesday. According to media sources, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the 19 other Cabinet members were reportedly unaware of Yoon’s decision to declare martial law, and only learned of the declaration during an emergency Cabinet meeting convened sh

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

The Korean National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho reportedly received an order from the South Korean Presidential Office to “be on standby” four hours before the emergency martial law was declared late Tuesday. According to local media reports, Cho reportedly received an order from the Presidential Office around 6:20 p.m., Tuesday, to “be on standby until further notice.” At 10:20 p.m., South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law, to go into

Social Affairs Dec. 4, 2024

Chief Justice of the South Korean Supreme Court Cho Hee-dae told reporters on Wednesday that the Supreme Court will review the procedures that were followed in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law late Tuesday, affirming that the judiciary will “steadfastly fulfill its role during challenging times.” “The judiciary will ensure its role as the ultimate protector of the citizens’ rights and freedoms, and will work to alleviate any concerns about judicia

Social Affairs Dec. 4, 2024

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon voiced his opposition to President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law late Tuesday. "I stand against martial law. The martial law declaration should be retracted," wrote Oh on his Facebook account. "As mayor, I will do everything in my power to preserve the daily lives of our citizens." According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's office, Oh conducted a meeting with high-ranking city government officials late Tuesday and emphasized

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

All doors to Government Complex Sejong have been closed following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s emergency martial law declaration late Tuesday. “Starting from 11:40 p.m., all incoming vehicles (to Government Complex Sejong) are being denied entry,” a representative from the Government Buildings Management Office stated, according to local media reports. “Orders have been issued to keep all gates, including the main entrance, firmly closed under any circumstances.

Politics Dec. 4, 2024