SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was recently impeached by the opposition-dominated National Assembly, is set to undergo questioning this week concerning his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. Authorities are investigating whether this drastic measure could constitute an act of rebellion. The multi-agency probe, involving police, anti-corruption units, and the Defense Ministry, made an announcement on Monday to formally request Yoon’s participation in the upcoming inquiry set for Wednesday.
The impeachment has suspended Yoon from exercising his presidential powers pending a determination from the Constitutional Court, which could either restore him to office or permanently oust him. Should the latter occur, a new election will have to be organized within a two-month period.
The president has defended his action as a necessary response to obstructive opposition forces he deemed detrimental to state affairs, committing to robustly counteract attempts to remove him from his role. Meanwhile, the capital city of Seoul has witnessed massive protests, with citizens rallying in vast numbers demanding Yoon’s immediate removal and arrest.
Yoon’s compliance with investigative demands remains uncertain. He has previously declined to appear for questioning by South Korean prosecutors who are conducting a separate investigation. His office rebuffed a recent police warrant to search the presidential compound for additional evidence.
This comes as the Constitutional Court convened to deliberate on his case, with a decision possible within six months, though past instances suggest a quicker resolution. Historical precedents include the 63-day deliberation over President Roh Moo-hyun’s impeachment in 2004, and the 91-day period prior to President Park Geun-hye’s dismissal in 2016.
With Yoon’s powers in limbo, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been navigating the role of acting leader. His office is working diligently to stabilize national and international concerns about Yoon’s abrupt disruption of politics, particularly how it might affect diplomatic relations and economic strategies.
Liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, a vocal critic of Yoon’s administration and narrowly defeated by Yoon in the last presidential election, has called on the Constitutional Court for a swift ruling. Lee is advocating for enhanced cooperation between the government and the National Assembly through a special council to ensure governmental continuity during this crisis.
In response, Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party and a staunch supporter of Yoon, disapproved of Lee’s approach, cautioning against the opposition assuming a governance stance and emphasized maintaining governance through existing channels.
This unfolding political drama in South Korea presents a pivotal moment that could reshape the country’s future governance and its international standing, as it grapples with internal divisions and economic challenges.
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