Fears South Korean leader could try martial law again

South Korea’s ruling party chief demanded on Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol be stripped of office, warning there was a “significant risk” he could try to impose martial law again.

Protesters take part in a demonstration against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Thursday night. Picture: Getty Images

South Korea’s ruling party chief demanded on Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol be stripped of office, warning there was a “significant risk” he could try to impose martial law again.

Mr Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night before being forced into a U-turn after MPs dramatically faced down soldiers at parliament and voted to overturn the measure, as thousands protested outside.

“Considering the newly emerging facts, I believe that a swift suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s duties is necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people,” said Han Dong-hoon, the head of Mr Yoon’s ­People Power Party, who only a day earlier had said he ­opposed Mr Yoon’s impeachment.

If Mr Yoon remains, “there is a significant risk that extreme ­actions similar to the martial law declaration could be repeated, which could put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger.”

“Credible evidence” suggested that Mr Yoon had ordered the arrest of “key politicians” and for them to be placed in a holding facility.

Mr Yoon “does not acknowledge that this illegal martial law is wrong” and has failed to act against the military officials who “illegally intervened”, Mr Han said.

The opposition had already put forward a motion to impeach Mr Yoon that will be voted on late on Saturday night.

South Korea's ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon at the National Assembly in Seoul on Friday. Picture: AFP

Mr Han’s comments represent a stunning U-turn a day after he had said the PPP would block the motion, which needs a two-thirds majority to pass.

The opposition bloc holds 192 seats in the 300-strong parliament, while the PPP has 108. A successful vote would suspend Mr Yoon from office pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court.

MP Jo Seung-lae, a spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party, said all his party’s MPs would remain inside the National Assembly building until the impeachment vote on Saturday.

The decision was made in ­response to “a lot of tips the party has received” regarding a potential second attempt by Mt Yoon to declare martial law, Mr Jo said.

A fresh opinion poll issued on Friday put backing for the 63-year-old President, who has lurched from crisis to crisis since taking office in 2022, at a record low of 13 per cent.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in Seoul late on Tuesday night. Picture: AFP

A 120-strong dedicated police investigation team has been set up to probe charges of insurrection, filed by the opposition against Mr Yoon and a host of top officials.

“If evidence arises during the investigation suggesting preparations for a second martial law, we will pursue it,” officer Kim San-ho, who is overseeing the investigation, said, adding there was currently no evidence of a second attempt.

On Thursday, Mr Yoon’s ­office said that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun had resigned, but other key allies, including ­Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, remain in office.

MPs have been grilling senior figures, including army chief of staff General Park An-su, who acted as Mr Yoon’s martial law commander. General Park said on Thursday that he was kept in the dark until after the President had ­announced the imposition of martial law on live television.

AFP