South Korean President Yoo♌n Suk Yeol who was impeached on December 14 over the controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, issued a defiant statement to his conservative supporters who gathered outside his residence in the capital of Seoul on Thursday.
In his message, the impeached president reportedly vowed to fight till the end against the "anti-state forces" that are "violating the sovereignty” of South Korea and putting the nation in "danger", according to the Associated Press.
The president further applauded his supporters for their efforts to protect the cou🎉ntry's “liberal democracy and constitutional order” and said he was watching their protests on live YouTube broadcasts, according to a photo of the message shared by Yoon's lawyers.
South Korea Prepares For President Yoon's Detention
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials has a week's time to execute the detainment warrant against Yoon as a South Korean court recently issued a warrant to detai🌜n impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and search his office over his martial law decree, the anti-corruption agency said on Tuesday. This came a day after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials sought the court warrant.
The arrest warrant was issued after Yoon ignored repeated requests by investigative autho🌊ri🔜ties to appear for questioning and allow them to search his office.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the officials are investigating whether his declaration of martial law amounted to rebellion. Alt♌hough Yoon has the presidential privilege of immunity🎶 from criminal prosecution, but it does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
According to Oh Dong-woon, the anti-corruption agency's chief prosecutor, police forces might be deployed if Yoon🥃's security service resists the detention attempt.
President Yoon Impeached
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14 following his contro🌸versial declaration of martial law on December 3. The liberal opposition Democratic Party accused 𒀰the president of trying to mobilize his supporters to block his detention and called for law enforcement authorities to execute the warrant immediately.
The impeachment motion passed with 204 lawmakers voting in favor. It led to an immediate suspension of Yoon from office. The prime minister, as per the Korean constitution, will assume☂ the role of acting president in his absence.
However, the impeachment process is far from over. A trial will be conducted by the Constitutional Court, which could take several weeks. If six out of the nine judges vote to uphold the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office. In such a case, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of t𝓀he ruling.
About Martial Law In South Korea
In South Korea, the President holds the power to declare martial law in situations of extreme national emergency, such as wartime or similar crises. Martial law gives the President the right to deploy the military, suspend civil liberties, 💦and te♊mporarily override government agencies and courts.
However, the constitution ﷺalso empowers the National Assembly to revoke such a declaration with a majority vote, a safeguard against misuse of power. This provision was exercised immediately after Yoon’s proclamation, with lawmakers scaling walls to evade military blockades and ensure a quorum for 💯their emergency session. The Assembly’s unanimous vote to nullify martial law demonstrated a rare moment of unity in South Korea’s polarized political landscape.
Critics argue that Yoon’s martial law declaration far exceede🌃d constitutional limits. The impeachment motion alleges that his actions—deploying troops to surround the National Assembly and suspending political party activities—constituted a coup attempt rather than a legitimate response to a national crisis.
