South Korea: Impeached PM Han Criticizes Yoon's Martial Law Move as Incorrect
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Synopsis
Impeached South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration, calling it 'wrong' with procedural flaws. Han expressed regret during a parliamentary session as investigators detained Yoon for questioning. This marks a historic moment in South Korean politics.
Key Takeaways
- Han Duck-soo expressed regret over Yoon's martial law declaration.
- Yoon Suk Yeol's actions faced criticism for procedural flaws.
- This event marks a historic arrest of a sitting President.
- Han proposed a Cabinet meeting to oppose Yoon's plans.
- Yoon faces serious charges, including insurrection.
Seoul, Jan 15 (NationPress) The impeached Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, expressed regret on Wednesday regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief enforcement of martial law last month, stating it was 'incorrect' and fraught with procedural issues.
During a special session of a parliamentary committee investigating Yoon's martial law declaration earlier today, Han noted that investigators had detained the impeached President for questioning.
"I have always felt remorseful that everyone involved, including myself, could not avert the situation from escalating to this point," Han remarked.
"When examining the substantial flaws, particularly the procedural ones, I conclude that the martial law was not standard. I think that the martial law was incorrect," he added.
Han was present at a Cabinet meeting convened by Yoon just before the martial law announcement on December 3. Han indicated that he had proposed the meeting, anticipating that all Cabinet members would oppose the initiative, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Earlier in the day, investigators apprehended the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence in a renewed effort to detain him for questioning concerning his brief martial law declaration.
A warrant for Yoon's detention was executed at 10:33 a.m., as per the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), marking a historic moment as it is the first instance of a sitting President being arrested.
A convoy transporting Yoon departed from the presidential residence in central Seoul shortly thereafter, heading to the CIO office in Gwacheon, located just south of Seoul.
Yoon was observed exiting a vehicle and entering the office to face questioning, as investigators prepare to seek a warrant for his formal arrest within 48 hours.
Currently suspended from duty due to impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, Yoon is facing accusations of insurrection and abuse of power.
He is alleged to have dispatched troops to the National Assembly following the martial law declaration on December 3 to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree.
Post-questioning, Yoon is anticipated to be held at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, located near the CIO's office.
