South Korean police are reportedly considering imposing an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate potential rebellion charges linked to his brief declaration of martial law last week, according to reports on Monday.
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law last Tuesday deployed armed special forces onto the streets of Seoul, plunging South Korea into political turmoil. Despite surviving an impeachment attempt on Sunday—after most lawmakers from the ruling party abstained from voting—the opposition has vowed to submit a new impeachment motion this week.
The Yonhap news agency reported that authorities are exploring the possibility of barring Yoon from leaving the country as part of the investigation into rebellion allegations. Other South Korean media outlets have echoed similar reports. The National Police Agency has yet to respond to repeated requests for comment.
The main opposition Democratic Party has labeled Yoon’s martial law declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup,” filing police complaints against at least nine individuals, including Yoon and the former defense minister. Although presidents in South Korea generally enjoy immunity from prosecution during their term, this does not apply to accusations of rebellion or treason.
On Sunday, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who allegedly advised Yoon to impose martial law, was arrested by South Korean authorities, marking the first arrest related to the case. Additionally, the Defense Ministry announced the suspension of three senior military leaders accused of participating in the martial law implementation. They are among those charged with insurrection by the opposition.
President Yoon publicly apologized on Saturday for the martial law declaration, expressing willingness to accept political and legal accountability for his actions. He pledged that his party would lead efforts to stabilize the nation’s political landscape, saying, “including matters related to my term in office.”
Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, Yoon has faced challenges in advancing his agenda due to an opposition-dominated parliament and has dealt with low approval ratings amid scandals involving him and his wife. In his controversial martial law announcement, Yoon referred to the parliament as a “den of criminals” obstructing governance and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.”
