South Korea's Ex-Defence Minister Arrested Over Martial Law Fiasco
In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, has been arrested over his involvement in the controversial martial law declaration earlier this week. The imposition of martial law, ordered by President Yoon Suk Yeol, triggered political turmoil and widespread public outrage.
Martial Law Controversy
President Yoon's brief martial law order on Tuesday saw soldiers and helicopters deployed to parliament, creating chaos in the country. The decree was rescinded within hours after backlash from lawmakers and public protests. Parliament subsequently voted down the order, marking a significant blow to Yoon's leadership.
Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned following the incident, had already been barred from traveling before his arrest. Reports from Yonhap and other South Korean outlets suggest that authorities are investigating Kim and others for alleged insurrection.
Impeachment Motion Against Yoon
President Yoon faced an impeachment motion late Saturday, initiated by opposition parties. However, the motion failed to gain the required 200 votes in the 300-member parliament due to a near-total boycott by Yoon's People Power Party (PPP).
The PPP justified its decision, stating it aimed to prevent "severe division and chaos" in the country. The party claimed to have secured Yoon's promise to step down voluntarily, effectively sidelining him from his duties. Until then, state affairs are being managed by the prime minister and the PPP leadership.
Public Outrage
The impeachment's failure has deeply disappointed the massive crowds of protesters outside parliament. While police estimated the number of demonstrators at 150,000, organizers claimed it exceeded one million. The protestors demand Yoon’s resignation, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among the public.
What's Next?
As the political crisis unfolds, South Korea faces mounting pressure to restore stability and address the public's concerns. With Kim's arrest and investigations ongoing, the country is at a critical juncture, striving to balance accountability and governance.
Reference from:-https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/south-koreas-ex-defence-minister-arrested-over-martial-law-fiasco-7197984