South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol remains commander-in-chief despite a growing political crisis. The defense ministry assured on Monday that Yoon’s position was secure, following reports that he is under criminal investigation for declaring martial law last week. While Yoon survived an impeachment vote in parliament, dissent is mounting, with senior military officers refusing to follow further orders to impose martial law. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has set up a task force to manage Yoon’s resignation, while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been delegated authority to oversee government affairs. This decision has sparked criticism from the opposition, which deems it unconstitutional, calling for impeachment or resignation and legal prosecution.
Yoon’s decision on December 3 to grant the military emergency powers to eliminate “anti-state forces” sparked outrage, leading to protests and criticism from Seoul’s allies. The order was rescinded six hours later after parliament defied military and police blockades. The opposition, led by the Democratic Party, has demanded Yoon be stripped of military control, and military officials, including the acting defense minister, have expressed refusal to enforce any further martial law decrees.
Amid the crisis, the United States expressed concern, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceling a visit to South Korea and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging that the democratic process be upheld. The turmoil comes at a critical geopolitical moment, with tensions rising over North Korea’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Also read: Supreme Court Weighs Tennessee Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
