South Korean prosecutors accuse president of treason

The leadership crisis in South Korea deepened further yesterday, after prosecutors named president Yoon Suk Yeol as the subject of a criminal investigation over his failed attempt to impose martial law, and as his former defence minister was arrested.

- SHAHANA YASMIN

Mr Yoon survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after members of his party boycotted the move. But the leader of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) Han Dong Hoon said in a joint public address with prime minister Han Duck Soo that the president would be “excluded from his duties”.

“Through Yoon’s early and orderly exit from office, we will minimise confusion, stabilise the political situation and properly establish free democracy,” Han Dong Hoon said in the address. “The president will effectively be excluded from his duties, including foreign policy and other state affairs, and the prime minister will consult with the party to ensure that the administration of state affairs proceeds without any disruptions.”

However, he did not provide any clarity on when and if Mr Yoon would resign, except to say it will be “swiftly announced after discussions within the [ruling] party”.

The announcement was immediately met with condemnation from opposition lawmakers who said it was another unconstitutional power grab to delegate authority without resignation or impeachment, and confirmed they would call for an impeachment vote again.

“The two Hans’ announcement to share power while having Yoon step aside is another coup that violates the constitutional order. It’s absolutely mind-blowing how people can have such an outrageous imagination that ignores national sovereignty,” said the main opposition Democratic Party’s (DP) leader Lee Jae Myung.