International-News

South Korea: high tension, President Yoon Suk Yeol defers parliamentary visit

Amid allegations of abuse of power, suspensions of top military leaders and imminent protests, the political crisis is shaking the country

South Korea is going through a serious political crisis. President Yoon Suk Yeol cancelled his scheduled speech at the National Assembly, where he was expected to speak amidst choruses of protests shouting ‘Impeachment, impeachment!’. The decision, announced by security and parliamentary sources and reported by the BBC, fuels already high tensions after allegations of abuse of power linked to the alleged imposition of martial law.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon has openly called for Yoon’s removal, saying the president poses a danger to the nation’s stability. ‘There is a significant risk that extreme actions, such as the declaration of martial law, will be repeated, putting the country and its citizens in grave danger,’ Han said. According to the politician, there is ‘credible evidence’ that Yoon ordered the arrest of key opposition figures and failed to condemn the illegal actions of some senior military officers.

In parallel, the Ministry of Defence announced the suspension of three high-ranking commanders: Special Forces chief Kwak Jong-keun, Seoul defence chief Lee Jin-woo and counter-intelligence commander Yeo In-hyeong. These officers were allegedly involved in the implementation of the martial law orders issued on Tuesday night. In a statement, the ministry said the three were relieved of their duties to allow for transparent investigations.

The political tension is set to increase further in the coming hours: tomorrow, parliament will vote on the impeachment motion against Yoon, an event that could mark a decisive turning point. Meanwhile, mass protests are expected in Seoul, with thousands of demonstrators expected in front of the National Assembly building. The Korean Trade Union Confederation (Ktcu) has announced a rally starting at 1 p.m. local time, followed by a procession demanding the resignation of the president.

THE LATEST NEWS