Why Are Ex-PM Han and Ex-Dy PM Choi Facing Exit Bans?
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Synopsis
The South Korean political landscape is in turmoil as former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and ex-Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok are prohibited from leaving the country due to their involvement in an alleged insurrection linked to a failed martial law attempt. This unfolding story raises questions about accountability and governance in South Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Exit bans imposed on former South Korean officials amid insurrection probe.
- Police questioning lasted around 10 hours for the involved parties.
- Allegations involve false statements regarding martial law processes.
- Remote deletion of crucial call records raises concerns.
- Accountability and transparency in government actions are being scrutinized.
Seoul, May 27 (NationPress) The former Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, along with ex-Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, is currently facing an exit prohibition as they are regarded as suspects in an alleged insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law initiative, according to police reports released on Tuesday.
The exit ban was reportedly placed on both Han and Choi around mid-May.
On Monday, the police's special investigation unit, which is overseeing this high-profile inquiry, summoned Han, Choi, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min for questioning that lasted approximately 10 hours. Their interrogation was centered on their supposed roles in Yoon's martial law declaration made on December 3 of the previous year. Lee had already been subjected to an exit ban in December.
The former officials were reportedly questioned regarding whether they made misleading statements concerning the receipt of martial law-related documents during a Cabinet meeting held by Yoon on the evening of December 3. The police have completed their examination of surveillance footage from the Cabinet meeting room and hallway of the presidential office.
Han has refuted the allegations against him, stating in February that he only became aware of having the martial law declaration document tucked in the back pocket of his suit after the decree was annulled by a vote in the Assembly, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Choi, who is under suspicion for allegedly receiving a memo from Yoon instructing him to prepare a budget for an emergency legislative body during the December 3 Cabinet meeting, mentioned that someone had given him a "folded note" but he was too preoccupied at the moment to read it.
Additionally, police interrogated Lee about claims that Yoon ordered him to disrupt power and water supply to major local media outlets. However, Lee had previously testified that Yoon did not issue such orders.
Earlier that Monday, South Korean police discovered indications that some call records from a secure phone owned by Yoon Suk Yeol were being deleted remotely, just days following his unsuccessful martial law attempt.
The call records involving Yoon and Hong Jang-won, the former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, as well as Kim Bong-sik, the former chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were erased on December 6, merely three days after Yoon's martial law declaration, according to an official from the police's special investigation team.
Furthermore, the police have initiated an inquiry concerning potential evidence destruction but have yet to identify a suspect.
Point of View
It is crucial to assess the unfolding events surrounding the martial law probe. The exit bans on former ministers highlight the need for transparency and accountability in governance. The allegations, if proven true, could have significant ramifications for South Korea's political integrity. We must remain vigilant and uphold our commitment to accurate reporting.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the exit ban on Han and Choi?
The exit ban was imposed due to their involvement in an alleged insurrection related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt.
How long were Han and Choi questioned by the police?
They were questioned for approximately 10 hours.
What were the allegations against Lee Sang-min?
Lee is being questioned regarding claims that he was ordered to cut off utilities to major media outlets.
What evidence is being investigated?
Police are investigating the deletion of call records from Yoon's secure phone that may relate to the martial law declaration.
What were Han's and Choi's responses to the allegations?
Han denied the charges, claiming he was unaware of carrying the martial law document, while Choi stated he did not read a memo handed to him.
