SEOUL, South Korea — A coalition of opposition parties in South Korea introduced legislation on Thursday that seeks an independent inquiry into the recently impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, and his controversial declaration of martial law. This development comes amidst increasing tensions as thousands of both supporters and detractors of Yoon gathered for protests outside his official residence, anticipating his possible arrest.
The proposed bill is a collaborative effort from six political entities, including the prominent liberal Democratic Party, which calls for a special prosecutor to explore allegations that Yoon’s martial law proclamation on December 3 may have been an act of rebellion.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to investigate accusations from the opposition that Yoon may have attempted to incite conflict with North Korea by purportedly conducting reconnaissance flights over Pyongyang with drones. There are also claims that he discussed shooting down North Korean balloons that had been launched towards South Korea, purportedly to justify an accumulation of power domestically. Both Yoon’s legal team and the military have refuted these allegations.
Currently, Yoon remains confined within the grounds of his presidential residence in Seoul, which has been reinforced with security measures, including barbed wire and barricades made from vehicles. This precaution follows an unsuccessful attempt by authorities to apprehend him last week.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is leading a collaborative investigation alongside police and military authorities and has vowed to intensify efforts to secure Yoon’s detention. They have warned that members of the presidential security detail might face arrest if they hinder the apprehension of Yoon, who is facing severe legal challenges.
Yoon’s lawyers have pushed back against the idea of his arrest, asserting that he poses no flight risk and would not destroy evidence. They expressed concern that dragging Yoon out in handcuffs could ignite a “civil war” among a population already divided on political lines.
During a press conference on Thursday, Seok Dong-hyeon, a member of Yoon’s legal team, stressed the significant public demonstrations by supporters and emphasized that the anti-corruption agency’s “reckless” pursuit of Yoon might provoke a dangerous reaction from citizens.
Tensions were palpable as supporters and opponents of Yoon gathered daily near his residence, often hurling passionate slogans at one another, although peaceful protests characterized the events with no major incidents reported.
The opposition contends that an independent investigation is essential, citing impediments in ongoing inquiries led by the anti-corruption agency and public prosecutors due to Yoon’s lack of cooperation.
The new bill stipulates that the chief justice of the Supreme Court recommend two candidates for the special prosecutor role to Yoon. If he chooses not to select one, the older of the two would automatically assume the position.
An earlier proposal for an independent investigation was narrowly rejected by the National Assembly just a day prior, as members from Yoon’s conservative party opposed a clause permitting only opposition parties to suggest candidates for the special prosecutor position. That resolution fell short by only two votes, leaving the Democrats optimistic that the revised bill would be successful.
Yoon’s legal representatives have raised questions regarding the validity of a new arrest warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday. They argue that the agency lacks the jurisdiction to investigate allegations of rebellion or to compel police action for detaining suspects.
They urge the agency to either formally accuse the president or pursue a conventional arrest warrant, which necessitates a court hearing. However, Yoon has stated that he would comply only with an arrest warrant from the Seoul Central District Court, claiming that the current agency is selecting a court featuring a judge biased in their favor.
Following Yoon’s declaration of martial law and the deployment of troops to encircle the National Assembly on December 3, lawmakers who managed to breach the blockade voted swiftly to nullify the measure. Subsequently, Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended when the opposition majority in the Assembly impeached him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
