South Korea imposed travel bans on additional senior officials on Tuesday, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial attempt to declare martial law, Yonhap reported.
A day after Yoon himself was barred from leaving the country, his party began crafting a “resignation roadmap,” which could see him step down by February or March, paving the way for fresh elections.
The crisis erupted last week when Yoon suspended civilian rule and deployed special forces and helicopters to parliament. Lawmakers quickly overturned the decree, restoring democratic order. Investigators are now probing the president and his close allies—many from the same alma mater—for alleged insurrection.
On Tuesday, Cho Ji-ho, head of the Korean National Police Agency, along with two senior police officials, joined the growing list of officials prohibited from foreign travel. Others already grounded include former defense and interior ministers, martial law commander General Park An-su, and counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, arrested on Sunday, now faces charges including “abuse of authority” and “performing duties during an insurrection.” Prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant, with a Seoul court set to decide later Tuesday.
Kim accepted full responsibility for the situation, apologizing to the South Korean people and asserting that his subordinates were merely following orders.
President Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after members of his People Power Party (PPP) staged a walkout, preventing the required two-thirds majority. Meanwhile, public pressure continues to mount, with tens of thousands attending candlelight vigils across the country, including outside parliament in Seoul.
The PPP has reportedly agreed to transfer Yoon’s powers to the prime minister and party leader, a move the opposition has condemned as a “second coup.” The party is expected to announce a resignation plan soon to avoid another impeachment attempt, with proposed timelines suggesting Yoon could step down in February or March, followed by elections in April or May.
