Yoon Suk Yeol is reportedly under criminal investigation over last week’s brief imposition of martial law
South Korea’s Justice Ministry has banned President Yoon Suk Yeol from leaving the country, after he briefly imposed martial law last week, various media outlets reported on Monday. It is the first time in South Korean history that the measure has been applied against a sitting president, according to the Dong-A Ilbo daily newspaper.
The travel ban, which had been requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, was announced by a Justice Ministry official at a parliamentary hearing, according to Reuters.
A thorough investigation will be carried out into “the leader and key offenders related to treason,” the Washington Post cited the head of the Corruption Investigation Office as saying on Monday.
The police earlier launched an investigation into Yoon on suspicion of “insurrection,” according to reports.
A sitting South Korean president has immunity from prosecution while in office. However, the president can be arrested or indicted in relation to allegations of insurrection or treason.
Last Tuesday, Yoon delivered a surprise televised address declaring emergency martial law, on the grounds that the opposition – which he accused of being sympathetic towards North Korea – had been preparing a “rebellion.”
Shortly after, a majority of lawmakers voted unanimously to lift the decree. Thousands of people took to the streets to condemn the president’s actions.
On Wednesday, Yoon said he had decided to lift martial law. The opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, announced that it would file a motion to impeach the head of state.
Yoon narrowly survived the impeachment after lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote on Saturday.
The president has since apologized and entrusted his party with stabilizing the political situation, but has not resigned.
On Sunday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said the president would be excluded from foreign and other state affairs, and that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would manage the government.
