South Korea's president banned from travel amid impeachment Vote row

South Korea's president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been banned from leaving the country, as opposition politicians accused his party of staging a "second coup" by refusing to impeach him over his botched declaration of martial law last week.

- Justin McCurry

Bae Sang-up, an immigration services commissioner at the justice ministry, confirmed the travel ban during a parliamentary hearing yesterday. Yoon's attempt to end civilian rule last Tuesday lasted just six hours after legislators scuffled with soldiers in the parliament building before voting to lift the order.

"This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup," said Park Chandae, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic party, referring to a boycott of the impeachment vote by the ruling People Power party (PPP) and its attempts to keep Yoon in office.

Under South Korea's constitution, the president remains as head of the government and commander-in-chief of the army unless they are incapacitated or resign.