South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed on Monday, following his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. The unprecedented move plunged the nation into political chaos, with Yoon sending special forces and helicopters to parliament before lawmakers forced him to rescind the order.
Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment on Saturday as his People Power Party (PPP) members walked out, preventing a two-thirds majority vote. However, investigations, including one into alleged insurrection, are closing in on him and his allies.
Former defense minister Kim Yong-Hyun, ex-interior minister Lee Sang-min, and top military officials linked to the martial law operation are also under travel bans.
The Democratic Party has labeled Yoon’s decision to delegate power to the unelected PPP leader as a “second coup” and a blatant constitutional violation. Despite public outrage and protests calling for his resignation, Yoon remains in office, apologizing for the crisis but refusing to step down.
His approval rating has plummeted to 11%, and the opposition plans to push for another impeachment vote on Saturday, as massive protests are expected to continue.
