SEOUL: South Korean investigators have made an unprecedented move by seeking an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first instance of such legal action against a sitting president in the country's history. This development follows Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law, which has ignited a debate on presidential powers and accountability.
According to Anadolu Agency, a joint investigation team consisting of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), police, and the Defense Ministry's investigation unit announced the warrant request on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The request was officially filed at midnight on Sunday with the Seoul Western District Court.
The charges against President Yoon stem from his decision on December 3 to declare martial law, during which he allegedly deployed troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from overturning the decree. Investigators argue that Yoon's actions constituted leading an insurrection and abusing his executive authority.
Yoon has refuted the allegations, stating that the martial law declaration was an "act of governance" intended to warn the opposition party against what he perceived as legislative overreach. In defense, Yoon's legal team submitted a written opinion to the Seoul Western District Court, asserting that the CIO lacks the legal authority to investigate him on treason charges. The team also contested the warrant request, claiming it "did not meet" the necessary legal criteria, as reported by KBS World.
The case has sparked significant debate within South Korea about the scope of presidential powers. On Monday, Kwon Young-se, the interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, expressed regret to the South Korean populace for the martial law incident. Kwon also called on the main opposition party to reconsider its plans to impeach additional Cabinet ministers, suggesting dialogue through a proposed three-way consultative body involving the government.
South Korea's political landscape remains tense, with the opposition-controlled parliament having already impeached President Yoon and acting President Han Duck-soo. The opposition now threatens to impeach the new acting President Choi Sang-mok unless he appoints the Constitutional Court justice nominees approved by the assembly.