South Korea: Travel Restrictions Imposed on Yoon Amid Ongoing Martial Law Investigation as Political Crisis Escalates

Seoul, Dec 9 (NationPress) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was subjected to a travel restriction on Monday while an investigation into allegations of treason and additional charges linked to his brief declaration of martial law last week is underway, as political unrest grows regarding Yoon's political trajectory.

The restriction was enacted by the justice ministry soon after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that it had filed a request for the mandate.

Yoon is currently being investigated as a suspect in simultaneous inquiries conducted by the police, the prosecution, and the CIO over his unexpected proclamation of martial law on Tuesday, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

The order was rescinded six hours later following a vote in the National Assembly to terminate it.

The primary opposition party, the Democratic Party, along with other opposition groups, also put forward a motion for the president’s impeachment subsequently, but it was withdrawn on Saturday after nearly all members of the ruling People Power Party chose to abstain from the vote.

Bae Sang-eop, a senior official in immigration at the justice ministry, informed lawmakers during a parliamentary session on Monday that a travel ban is typically issued after a straightforward evaluation of the necessary formalities.

He indicated that the restriction had been placed on Yoon sometime after 3 p.m.

CIO head Oh Dong-woon stated during the hearing that his office is dedicated to conducting a comprehensive inquiry into "the leader and key perpetrators connected to treason" with the suspects being held in custody as a general rule.

When queried if the CIO had sought a travel ban on First Lady Kim Keon Hee, he mentioned that it would be assessed.