The South Korean Ministry of Justice has prohibited President Yoon Suk Yeol from leaving the country as authorities investigate allegations of rebellion and other charges related to his declaration of a brief state of war last week. This decision, made by the president last Tuesday, led to the deployment of special forces on the streets of Seoul and has triggered a political crisis, increasing concerns among both domestic and international observers.
On Saturday, Yoon managed to avoid an opposition attempt to oust him from office after several lawmakers boycotted the parliamentary vote. However, the opposition has stated that it will introduce a new motion this week.
Bae Sang-up, an official from the Ministry of Justice, confirmed in a parliamentary session that Yoon’s travel ban was enacted following requests from the police, prosecutors, and the anti-corruption agency, as investigations into the president’s actions continue to unfold.
A senior official from the National Police Agency said on Monday that police could arrest the president if all necessary conditions are met. While a sitting president in South Korea enjoys immunity from criminal prosecution while in office, this immunity does not extend to accusations of rebellion or treason.
This means that Yoon could be questioned and detained by the police in connection with his decree declaring a state of war. However, many observers doubt that the police will take such action, given the potential for violent confrontations with the presidential security service.
When he declared the state of war last week, Yoon referred to the parliament as a “den of criminals” and vowed to eliminate “shameless supporters of North Korea.” His decision to declare a state of war lasted only six hours, as the National Assembly voted to overturn the measure.
The situation continues to develop, with both political and legal implications surrounding the president’s controversial actions.
