Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun instructed the military to blockade the National Assembly in Seoul last week to prevent lawmakers from lifting the national emergency. Colonel Kim Hyun-tae, commander of South Korea’s elite forces, stated he was acting under the minister’s orders and took full responsibility for his troops’ actions.
Despite the military presence, most lawmakers managed to reach the assembly and revoke the emergency. President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly declared a state of emergency last Tuesday, sidelining parliament and placing media under military control, citing opposition interference.
He later revoked it following a parliamentary resolution. Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned on Wednesday and was arrested, potentially facing prosecution.
On Saturday, President Yoon survived an impeachment motion due to a ruling party boycott, though the opposition plans to initiate a new procedure, lacking the necessary two-thirds majority. The Defense Ministry confirmed Yoon remains commander-in-chief, and South Korean police are considering a travel ban on him during rebellion investigations.
The president is largely immune from prosecution except in cases of rebellion or treason.
Source: NOS