South Korea arrests ex-defense minister over martial law

SEOUL: South Korea’s former defense minister has been arrested for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree, one day after Yoon survived an impeachment vote. Police also raided his home.

South Korean police arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday for his alleged role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law, according to Yonhap News Agency.

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Kim was considered a key figure in Tuesday’s short-lived martial law decree. He had already resigned as defense minister.

Police have launched an investigation into Kim, as well as Yoon and martial law commander Park An-su, for alleged insurrection.

Police also raided Kim’s home and placed him under a travel ban, Yonhap reported.

BID TO IMPEACH YOON FAILS

Yoon, who had declared martial law on Tuesday night and reversed the decision hours later, survived an impeachment vote in parliament late Saturday.

The motion needed the approval of at least two-thirds of the 300-seat South Korean National Assembly to pass. But it failed after Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote.

The PPP claimed after the vote that it had blocked the motion to avoid “severe division and chaos.” The ruling party added that it would “resolve this crisis in a more orderly and responsible manner.”

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of PPP, said the president will eventually step down. He said that said the party had decided that Yoon would resign and had “effectively obtained” his promise to do so.

OPPOSITION REMAINS DETERMINED TO IMPEACH YOON

South Korea’s main opposition party promised to renew its attempts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol as early as Wednesday after a motion failed due to a walkout by ruling PPP lawmakers.

“I will impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who has become the worst risk for South Korea, at any cost,” said Lee Jae-myung, who heads the Democratic Party.

Move to impeach South Korea’s Yoon in limbo after ruling party walkout

Opposition parties hold 192 seats in the National Assembly. The impeachment motion required 200 votes to pass, but only three PPP lawmakers participated in the vote amid a ruling party boycott.

South Korea’s constitution requires a presidential election be held within 60 days of a presidential vacancy.

Yoon’s term in office runs out in May 2027.