Impeached South Korean president faces pressure over martial law scandal

South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is under growing pressure as investigators push for answers regarding his controversial December 3 declaration of martial law, which lasted only a few hours but triggered national turmoil.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, alongside police and military authorities, is pursuing Yoon on charges of abuse of power and orchestrating a rebellion.

Despite three formal requests for questioning and attempts to search his office, Yoon has refused to cooperate, prioritizing his defense at the Constitutional Court. The court will decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate his authority following his impeachment by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on December 14.

“This was not a lawful use of executive power—it was an attack on democracy,” said Woo Won Shik, the National Assembly Speaker allegedly targeted for detention during Yoon’s martial law order.

Yoon’s martial law decree, which deployed heavily armed troops to surround the National Assembly, escalated political chaos. Lawmakers swiftly voted to lift martial law, overriding Yoon’s attempts to obstruct the process.

Allegations have emerged that Yoon instructed military intelligence officials to detain opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik. “I was told to prepare for the detention of lawmakers. It was clear that this was not about national security but silencing opposition,” testified Army Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jong-keun, who refused to carry out Yoon’s orders.

Authorities have arrested Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and several military commanders for their roles in executing the decree. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Moon Sang-ho, head of the Defense Intelligence Command, faces arrest for allegedly devising enforcement strategies for martial law in discussions with subordinates and retired officials.

Adding to the controversy, Yoon deployed troops to the National Election Commission, citing unsubstantiated election fraud claims linked to right-wing conspiracy theories. The commission dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating, “There is no evidence of fraud, and the president’s accusations undermine the integrity of our democratic institutions.”

The fallout from Yoon’s actions has disrupted state functions, frozen diplomatic engagements, and shaken financial markets amid an already fragile economy. Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo sought to reassure allies, stating, “Despite the crisis, South Korea remains stable. Our institutions are strong, and we will weather this storm.”

Seok Dong-hyeon, Yoon’s lawyer, defended the president’s actions as necessary measures to counter “opposition obstructionism.” “President Yoon acted in the best interest of the nation,” he said. “There was no intent to paralyze parliamentary functions or detain lawmakers unlawfully.”

As the investigation into Yoon’s conduct deepens, experts question whether he can be compelled to cooperate in a scandal that continues to grip the nation. “The president’s refusal to cooperate raises serious concerns about accountability,” said political analyst Park Ji-hyun.