South Korea’s National Police Service conducted a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on Wednesday, intensifying the political crisis surrounding his controversial attempt to declare martial law last week.
In a related development, the head of the National Police Organisation, Commissioner Cho Ji-ho, was arrested around 4 a.m. after hours of questioning. Authorities allege that Cho coordinated police efforts to assist military forces in entering the National Assembly following President Yoon’s martial law declaration.
Former Defence Minister’s suicide attempt raises concerns
Further escalating tensions, the Seoul District Court issued an arrest warrant for former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who oversaw the military operation on December 4. Prosecutors initially detained Kim on Sunday, citing urgency, with the court later validating his arrest.
During a National Assembly hearing on Wednesday, Shin Yong-hae, head of the Korean Correctional Service, revealed that Kim attempted suicide in a prison toilet on Tuesday night. Shin confirmed that officers intervened in time, leaving Kim unharmed.
Ruling party calls for President Yoon’s resignation
President Yoon is facing growing pressure to step down, even from within his own People Power Party. Reports indicate that a task force within the ruling party has recommended Yoon’s resignation by February, paving the way for a presidential election in April.
Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment on Saturday when enough party members boycotted the National Assembly vote, preventing the required majority.
In a rare response, North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) issued a statement on Wednesday, characterizing the unrest in South Korea as a direct result of President Yoon’s actions. The statement described Yoon’s behavior as reminiscent of “military dictatorship-era coups,” drawing widespread condemnation and fueling public demand for his impeachment.
Widespread student and academic protests
Student protests are spreading across South Korea, with representatives from 31 universities holding a press conference outside the National Assembly in Seoul. Demonstrators called for Yoon’s resignation, accusing him of undermining democracy.
Academics have also voiced strong opposition. Many posted on social media, criticizing Yoon for steering the nation toward authoritarianism.
Even high school students have joined the protests. The student council of Chungam High School—Yoon’s alma mater—issued a statement denouncing his martial law declaration and demanding his resignation.
In a striking display of international solidarity, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies released a statement in 18 languages, including Turkish, condemning Yoon’s actions. The statement declared: “We announce to the world that it is impossible for us to accept someone who abandons the will of the people as head of state. President Yoon must resign, taking responsibility for plunging the country into chaos and deceiving its citizens. The ruling party deputies should apologize for failing to represent the people’s will.”
