In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing political turmoil, South Korean police raided the office of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Wednesday. The raid is part of a widening investigation into Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law, which has plunged the nation into a constitutional crisis.
The presidential security official confirmed the raid to Reuters, while the national police agency has yet to comment. According to Yonhap News Agency, the search warrant specifically named Yoon as the subject of the investigation.
Adding to the crisis, Kim Yong-hyun, the former defense minister and a close confidant of Yoon, attempted suicide at a detention center where he is being held on insurrection charges. A Justice Ministry official reported that Kim was found by guards using his underwear to attempt self-harm but is currently under observation and not in immediate danger.
Yoon, who sought to declare martial law on December 3, has not been seen in public since issuing an apology on Saturday for his actions. His absence from the public eye has fueled uncertainty about who is effectively running the country.
The impeachment vote is set to take place in parliament on Saturday, with the main opposition party pushing forward despite a failed attempt last December. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, stated, \"The impeachment train has left the platform. There is going to be no way to stop it.\"
National Police Commissioner Cho Ji-ho was also arrested on insurrection charges related to the December 3 events, marking another high-profile figure to face legal action.
Amid the political instability, various sectors are showing signs of unrest. The metal workers' union has declared a protest strike, and members of financial institutions, including the Bank of Korea, are planning a rally in support of the impeachment efforts.
As South Korea grapples with this leadership crisis, questions linger over the constitutional legitimacy of any potential resignation by Yoon. The opposition and some legal experts remain skeptical about the orderly transition of power.
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South Korea police raid Yoon office as impeachment vote looms
cgtn.com
