Authorities in South Korea are currently conducting a raid on the presidential office in Seoul. This move follows President Yoon Suk Yeol‘s unsuccessful effort to implement martial law last week.
Authorities have reported that they have successfully accessed the civil service offices; however, as AFP stated, security personnel remain obstructed in the main building of Yoon’s office.
The recent raids mark a significant turn in a week characterised by upheaval in South Korean politics.
President Yoon remains in office amid an impeachment vote and numerous demands for his resignation while simultaneously confronting multiple investigations from different government branches related to allegations of insurrection and treason.
In a developing story, Kim Yong-Hyun, the former defence minister of the country who was held accountable for the declaration of martial law, reportedly attempted suicide while in detention on Tuesday night, according to an official source.
The ministry informed parliament that Kim is housed in a guarding room and reported to have “no current health issues.”
On Sunday, he was taken into custody.Numerous officials associated with Yoon have stepped down following the brief declaration of martial law.
The nation currently finds itself in a period of political uncertainty.
Lawmakers from the ruling party united to stage a boycott against the vote to impeach President Yoon, following his commitment to shorten his term and refrain from engaging in both foreign and domestic matters.
The opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, has voiced strong criticism of the deal. Floor leader Park Chan-dae described it as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”
The extent of Yoon’s authority remains uncertain, as demonstrators continue to gather in the streets, demanding his resignation.
Pressure is mounting on Yoon
Local media sources reported that on Wednesday, a team of eighteen investigators arrived at the presidential office to confiscate documents related to a cabinet meeting that took place on the evening of the martial law declaration.
President Yoon, identified as one of the suspects in the search warrant, was absent from his office when the raids began. The author ultimately impeached her for the upcoming search with the individual’s security team.
Before his presidency, Yoon gained recognition as a prosecutor known for his efforts in prosecuting high-ranking officials. In 2016, he spearheaded an investigation into former president Park Geun-hye, culminating in her impeachment.
Former presidents’ security teams have refused to grant investigators permission to conduct these searches. Experts indicate that Wednesday’s raid attempt demonstrates an escalation in authorities’ pressure on President Yoon and his associates.
Mason Richey, an associate professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, told the BBC that the recent raids indicate a significant acceleration in investigations, particularly concerning Yoon.
Current indications suggest that Yoon’s impeachment may occur soon. Whether before or after, he is likely to encounter arrest, questioning, and ultimately charges for insurrection.
Prof Richey noted, however, that “the situation remains fluid”.
The most recent search of a presidential office occurred in December 2019, linked to a corruption allegation involving the former vice mayor of Busan. At the time, the prosecution could not enter the office grounds but received the material from the office per established protocol.
During that period, the nation was under the leadership of former president Moon Jae-in, while Yoon took office in 2022.
