South Korean President Ordered Arrest of Ruling Party Leader

On Tuesday night, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an order for the arrest of Han Dong-hoon, who leads his own ruling party, concurrently with his declaration of martial law. According to the National Intelligence Service deputy director, the list of individuals to be arrested also encompassed Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the primary opposition Democratic Party, alongside three opposition lawmakers. Director Hong Jang-won stated that the president sought to “use this chance to arrest them and wipe them out.” This information emerged as political parties across the country convened emergency meetings throughout Friday, with Members of Parliament (MPs) intending to initiate a vote to impeach President Yoon. The impeachment motion, slated for Saturday, requires the support of two-thirds of MPs to be successful. While the opposition holds a majority in the 300-seat parliament, 200 votes are necessary for the motion to pass, meaning they need the backing of at least eight MPs from the ruling party. A significant indication that his own party might align with the opposition came on Friday when the leader of President Yoon’s ruling party urged his immediate suspension, asserting that his continued presence in power represented a “great danger” to democracy. Han Dong-hoon, who serves as the chief of the People Power Party (PPP), had previously stated earlier in the week that his party would not endorse the opposition’s impeachment motion. However, on Friday, he declared the existence of “credible evidence” indicating that President Yoon had, on Tuesday, ordered the arrest of prominent politicians, including Han himself, on “anti-state charges.” Han stated that President Yoon had intended to detain the arrested politicians at a detention center located in Gwacheon, a city situated south of Seoul. He voiced apprehension that “extreme actions,” such as the declaration of martial law, might recur should President Yoon stay in office. Han added, “[These are] putting the Republic of Korea and its people at great risk.” On Friday, South Koreans continued to await news regarding the president’s future as the impending impeachment vote drew closer. During the afternoon, reports circulated that the president was en route to parliament, a claim subsequently denied by his office. Nevertheless, opposition MPs formed a line to obstruct access to the assembly, vocally chanting “impeach, impeach.” Previously, special forces commander Kwak Jong-kuen had given assurances to parliament that he would decline to obey such an order if martial law were to be declared once more, a possibility that the opposition has raised. Kwak recounted that on Tuesday night, he had refused directives to remove MPs from the assembly floor as they convened to vote against the martial law declaration. He stated, “I ordered soldiers not to enter the floor… I ordered that no live ammunition be given out [and] that no harm must come to the civilians.” Subsequently, later that day, Kwak and two additional commanders faced suspension for their role in executing the martial law order prior to its revocation. President Yoon’s endeavor to implement martial law caused shock throughout the nation and unsettled South Korea’s allies and financial markets. He had cited dangers from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, it quickly became apparent that his action was motivated by his internal political difficulties rather than external threats. The order was abruptly rescinded hours later, following 190 MPs successfully gaining entry to parliament and voting it down; some achieved this by climbing fences and breaching barricades to access the chamber. Opposition lawmakers harbor concerns regarding a potential renewed attempt to impose martial law. Several of them had previously informed the BBC that they have remained in proximity to the National Assembly grounds to ensure swift arrival should they need to vote against any future declaration of this nature. In the capital, Seoul, street protests demanding President Yoon’s resignation have occurred for over two days, concurrently with police stating he is under investigation for “insurrection.” South Korean media reports indicate that citizens have also been inundating PPP lawmakers with text messages, pressing them to vote in favor of Yoon’s impeachment. The Chosun Daily reported that MP Shin Sung-bum alone received more than 4,000 such messages on Facebook. Cho Kyung-tae became the first MP from the ruling party to publicly declare support for President Yoon’s impeachment. On Friday, Cho stated, “The choice between standing on the side of the people by suspending the president’s duties or becoming an ally of the forces that imposed martial law is a matter for politicians to judge.” He further added, “I hope that all the politicians of the People’s Power will stand on the side of the people.” A survey conducted by local pollster Realmeter on Thursday indicated that over seven out of 10 South Koreans supported the impeachment. President Yoon has not made any public appearances or statements since rescinding the martial law order early on Wednesday. A separate survey, carried out from Tuesday to Thursday this week, revealed his approval rating had plummeted to an unprecedented low of 13%. Prior to his effort to place the nation under military governance, the president was already contending with diminished popularity ratings, accusations of corruption, and a legislature dominated by the opposition, which had effectively rendered him a lame-duck leader. Additional reporting was provided by Hosu Lee from Seoul and Fan Wang from Singapore. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.