Yonhap news agency: Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested today over his alleged role in the decision by President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law earlier this week, as reported by Yonhap news agency. Kim was arrested after voluntarily submitting to questioning by prosecutors. He was then sent to a detention center in Seoul and his phone was seized. Later in the day, both his office and official residence were raided by police.
Legal complaints alleging treason have also been filed by the opposition, against both President Yoon and martial law commander Park An-Su.
Otherwise, the increasing isolation of Yoon continues. The latest official to resign from Yoon’s government is Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. He explained that he was doing so “in grave recognition of responsibility for failing to serve the public and the president well,” as quoted in JoongAng Ilbo. Also, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, today called Yoon’s martial law action an “unconstitutional act.” He outlined: “Through an orderly early departure of the president, we will minimize the chaos for the Republic of Korea and its people, stabilize the political situation and restore liberal democracy… Until the president’s departure, the prime minister and the party will closely consult to seamlessly take care of livelihood issues and state affairs.”
In response, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik insisted it was unconstitutional to delegate presidential authority to the PM and the ruling party without an impeachment. He called for a meeting between the PPP and the opposition to discuss ways of suspending Yoon’s presidential power immediately.
