Travel Ban Imposed on South Korea’s President

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a travel ban as authorities investigate his brief and controversial martial law declaration last Tuesday, which has sparked political turmoil and mass protests.

The president narrowly avoided impeachment over the weekend when members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted a parliamentary vote. The PPP cited Yoon’s agreement to shorten his term and abstain from foreign and domestic policymaking as their reason for withholding support.

However, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, denounced the arrangement. Floor leader Park Chan-dae described it as “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and a second coup.”

Public outrage has been palpable, with tens of thousands of South Koreans taking to the streets to demand Yoon’s resignation or impeachment. The fallout has also ensnared other high-ranking officials.

Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who allegedly recommended martial law to Yoon, was arrested on Sunday after stepping down earlier in the week and offering an apology. A travel ban has been issued for Kim, as well as for key military leaders, including Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and Army Chief of Staff Park An-su.

The crisis has led to significant resignations across the administration. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min stepped down on Sunday, acknowledging his failure to serve both the public and the president effectively. Senior aides from Yoon’s office, including his chief of staff, also resigned en masse shortly after the martial law declaration was rescinded.