SEOUL, Dec. 9, (Xinhua/GNA) — South Korea’s Ministry of Justice, Monday placed a travel ban on President Yoon Suk-yeol, Yonhap news agency reported, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been barred from leaving the country.
The unprecedented measure came at the request of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which sought the restriction as part of its investigation into Yoon’s abrupt imposition of martial law last week. The office that investigates high-ranking officials is one of several law enforcement bodies, including public prosecutors and police, probing into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power, tied to Yoon’s role in the martial law declaration.
Overseas travel bans have already been imposed on four other key figures in the martial law turmoil, including two top military commanders and the former interior minister.
Earlier in the day, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, submitted bills to investigate charges of Yoon’s alleged insurrection and scandal involving his wife. The Democratic Party proposed to appoint special counsels to investigate Yoon’s botched martial law declaration, and various allegations related to First Lady, Kim Keon-hee.
Meanwhile, defense ministry spokesperson, Jeon Ha-kyu, said Monday the control of the country’s military forces currently lies with President Yoon as the commander-in-chief, when asked whether a suspect in an insurrection case could hold such powers.
Kim Hyun-tae, head of the 707th Special Mission Group, said Monday his soldiers, mobilized to storm the National Assembly after Yoon declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3, are victims used by former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun.
Kim Hyun-tae made the accusation against the former defense chief at a press conference, saying his troops were only at fault for following his orders, while noting he would bear all legal responsibility.
The special prosecution investigation team questioned former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun for the third round Monday morning on treason, abuse of power, and other charges since his emergency arrest the previous day.
GNA