South Korea's suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is now at the center of a political storm, facing grave accusations following his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, as outlined in a detailed prosecutor’s report seen by AFP. This report, derived from the prosecution of former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, presents shocking revelations about Yoon’s authorization of military intervention to forcibly enter the National Assembly during his push to secure martial law. The report describes a tense and chaotic moment in South Korean politics, where Yoon reportedly told military commanders to take extreme measures, including using weapons, to break into parliament if necessary. The actions of the military forces on that day, December 3, involved troops storming the National Assembly, breaking fences, shattering windows, and even landing helicopters to force their way into the building. This marked a moment of deep political unrest in South Korea, with the military engaged in what appeared to be an unprecedented assault on democratic institutions.
Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law was precipitated by a fierce political standoff between his party and the opposition over a budget issue. In the face of mounting opposition, Yoon allegedly expressed his determination to proceed with the declaration of martial law, vowing to do so up to three times if necessary to secure his position. This bold and dangerous move aimed to bypass civilian oversight and assert authoritarian control. However, it was quickly rejected by the National Assembly, which voted overwhelmingly to nullify the declaration. Yoon’s actions, however, sparked outrage among political opponents, with many accusing him of trying to undermine the democratic process and lead the country into a period of authoritarian rule.
The report contains shocking details about the direct orders given by Yoon to the military leadership. According to the indictment, Yoon told the chief of the capital defense command, Lee Jin-woo, to break into the National Assembly by force, even if it meant shooting people in the way. The words, "Have you still not got in? What are you doing? Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting," were allegedly spoken by Yoon, demonstrating his willingness to escalate the situation violently. He also reportedly gave further orders to General Kwak Jong-keun, the head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, urging him to forcefully break into the National Assembly and drag the lawmakers out, even using an axe if necessary. The extreme nature of these orders highlights Yoon’s willingness to bypass constitutional safeguards and impose his will on the country’s institutions, raising serious questions about his leadership and respect for democratic principles.
As lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly on December 3 to vote against Yoon’s martial law declaration, the situation reached a fever pitch. The building was surrounded by military forces, and they reportedly attempted to break into the legislative chambers by any means necessary. Despite the extreme pressure, the National Assembly stood firm, voting 190-0 to nullify the martial law declaration, signaling that the legislative body would not bow to Yoon’s authoritarian impulses. However, even after the vote, Yoon allegedly remained defiant, reportedly stating that he could impose martial law again in the future if necessary. His refusal to accept the will of the people’s representatives further exacerbated the crisis and led to widespread condemnation of his actions.
The report also revealed that Yoon had been discussing the possibility of declaring martial law with senior military officials as early as March, indicating that his intentions to undermine civilian governance were long-standing. The failure to impose martial law triggered a political crisis, but it also resulted in Yoon’s public apology, where he promised that no further declarations of martial law would be made. Despite this, the political fallout from the incident continues to shake the foundations of South Korean democracy.
Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who played a significant role in the failed martial law attempt, was arrested this month on charges related to the incident. His arrest further underscores the seriousness of the situation and the gravity of the political and legal ramifications of Yoon’s actions. In the aftermath, South Korea’s opposition parties have been vocal in condemning Yoon’s actions, calling for his immediate arrest. Opposition lawmaker Kang Sun-woo accused Yoon of being a "treasonous ringleader" and demanded that he face the consequences of his attempt to subvert the democratic process.
The political situation in South Korea has also led to a constitutional crisis, with the nation’s highest court now tasked with deciding the validity of Yoon’s impeachment. The Constitutional Court began its first preliminary hearing on December 28, where Yoon’s legal team was present. The court’s decision will determine whether Yoon’s impeachment stands and whether he will face the full legal and political consequences of his actions. The court’s ruling will also address the fate of Yoon’s replacement, Han Duck-soo, who was impeached on December 28 for his refusal to complete the impeachment process and bring Yoon to justice. Han’s impeachment adds another layer of complexity to an already tense political climate, as South Korea grapples with its leadership crisis and the future of its democratic institutions.
The political turmoil surrounding Yoon’s martial law attempt has left the nation divided. On one side, his supporters argue that his actions were an attempt to restore order and assert control during a politically charged moment. On the other hand, critics claim that Yoon’s behavior was a direct challenge to South Korea’s democratic institutions and an attempt to impose authoritarian rule. The country’s citizens now find themselves in the midst of a national debate about the limits of executive power and the importance of maintaining civilian oversight over the military. As the constitutional court deliberates Yoon’s impeachment, the eyes of the nation—and the world—are on South Korea, as it navigates a period of unprecedented political instability.
