South Korean police have initiated an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week sparked widespread political turmoil.
The investigation stems from two complaints filed by the opposition Rebuilding Korea party and 59 activists, who have accused the president of insurrection.
On Tuesday evening, President Yoon made an unexpected televised address, announcing the declaration of martial law in response to unspecified security threats.
The extraordinary move suspended civilian rule and deployed military personnel, including soldiers and helicopters, to the National Assembly.
The country was thrown into political chaos, as many citizens and lawmakers were caught off guard by the emergency measure.
The declaration, South Korea’s first in more than 40 years, was short-lived. Within six hours, opposition lawmakers voted to overturn the decree, and it was revoked early on Wednesday morning.
However, the move has sparked a firestorm of criticism.
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Opposition parties have labeled the declaration a violation of the constitution, with some calling for President Yoon’s impeachment.
In response to the growing uproar, a parliamentary vote on the matter is scheduled for Saturday evening.
Democratic Party spokesperson Jo Seoung Iae condemned the action, calling it an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup” and urging conservative lawmakers to reflect on the gravity of the situation.
Amid the controversy, South Korea’s military leaders have distanced themselves from President Yoon’s decision.
General Park Ahn Soo, the army chief who was expected to oversee the martial law enforcement, testified before parliament on Thursday that he had learned of the declaration only when the president made the announcement.
Both General Park and Vice Defence Minister Kim Seon Ho said they were not consulted before the president’s surprise announcement.
Lee Jae Myung, leader of the opposition and Yoon’s rival in the 2022 presidential election, shared his disbelief, recounting his shock when he first saw the announcement, initially thinking it was a deepfake.
