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«Prosecution names President Yoon Suk Yeol as suspect»

By Lee Sun-young

Published : Dec. 8, 2024 - 14:39

The Special Prosecutor’s Office said Sunday that President Yoon Suk Yeol is now a suspect facing potential charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Park Se-hyun, head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office who leads the prosecution’s investigation into last week’s martial law turmoil, confirmed the news during a press briefing.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241208050020

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«Yoon to step back from state affairs, diplomacy: ruling party leader»

By Jung Min-kyung

Published : Dec. 8, 2024 - 11:42

President Yoon Suk Yeol will step back from state affairs, including diplomacy, as the ruling party and the Cabinet pursue his "early resignation," ruling People Power Party Chair Han Dong-hoon said Sunday.

"President Yoon will not be involved in handling state affairs, including diplomacy, even before his resignation," Han said in a public statement jointly released with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

The statement was released in connection with the second meeting between the ruling party leader and the prime minister held Sunday in response to Yoon's martial law decree late Tuesday.

Han told reporters the previous day that the ruling party seeks to “pursue an orderly resignation” by Yoon to “minimize confusion and turmoil” after an impeachment motion failed at the National Assembly.

Yoon, in a brief televised address aired Saturday morning, said that he would “leave it up to” his party to “take steps to stabilize the political situation,” including the issue of his term in office.

Prime Minister Han said that "the government will adopt a humble stance and ask for the cooperation of the National Assembly" in the joint statement.

“The administration of state affairs must not be hindered,” he said, stressing the urgency of passing the national budget to ensure effective governance amid the political uncertainty.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241208050014

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«Police raid ex-defense minister’s official residence, office»

By Lee Jung-joo

Published : Dec. 8, 2024 - 10:39

The Korean National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation initiated a search and seizure operation at the home and office of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday, as part of an investigation into the declaration of martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol late Tuesday.

Kim was also put under emergency arrest, and his phone was confiscated by the prosecution on Sunday, as he is suspected of abusing his authority and using violence to exercise power after the ex-defense minister admitted on Wednesday that he had suggested the implementation of martial law to Yoon.

Kim also showed up for overnight questioning at 1:30 a.m., saying he would “actively cooperate” with the ongoing investigations.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241208050010

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«Prime minister, ruling party leader to release joint public statement»

By Jung Min-kyung

Published : Dec. 8, 2024 - 10:10

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and ruling People Power Party Chair Han Dong-hoon will release a joint public statement after holding a second meeting in response to President Yoon Suk Yeol's decree of martial law late Tuesday, the prime minister's office said Sunday.

Though the agenda of the meeting has yet to be announced, observers say that various scenarios that could lessen Yoon's grip on his constitutional power will be discussed.

The prime minister will convene an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at 2 p.m. after releasing the joint statement, officials said.

The two previously met ahead of the National Assembly's failed impeachment vote against Yoon and agreed to closely communicate and oversee the economic issues concerning the people’s livelihoods.

Han Duck-soo would serve as the country’s leader in an acting capacity if the president resigned.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241208050008

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«Ex-Defense Minister arrested for insurrection, abuse of authority»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published: Dec. 8, 2024 - 08:29

Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested for insurrection by advising conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law, according to the prosecution on Sunday. He is the first person to be arrested in connection with the six-hour martial law crisis in South Korea.

The prosecution's special investigation headquarters put Kim under emergency arrest and had his phone confiscated, as the 65-year-old is suspected of instigating violence to subvert national power, abusing his authority and obstructing others from exercising rights.

Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office to get interrogated at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

Kim, along with other Cabinet members, offered to resign Wednesday as Yoon lifted martial law in the morning. Yoon on Thursday accepted the resignation of Kim, who was facing impeachment vote and hearing at the National Assembly.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241208050001

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«Impeachment motion scrapped»

By Kan Hyeong-woo

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the end of voting for the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, about three hours after the voting began. The motion was scrapped as there were not enough votes cast. The vast majority of the ruling People Power Party declined to cast their ballots, meaning the total votes submitted was short of the 200 needed for the motion to pass.

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«Opposition lawmakers demand ruling party's participation»

By Kan Hyeong-woo, No Kyung-min

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the end of voting for the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol at 9:20 p.m., about three hours after the voting began.

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced that the parliament would conclude the voting on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol by 9:20 p.m. Saturday, ending a three-hour wait for People Power Party lawmakers to cast their ballots.

Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik encouraged the members of the ruling People Power Party to cast their ballots as Rep. Kim Sang-wook returned to the chamber to cast his vote.

Rep. Kim Sang-wook, who returned to the chamber to vote on the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, later revealed that he voted against the president’s impeachment. He was one of three ruling party lawmakers to cast ballots, along with Rep. Kim Yea-ji and Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo.

Members of the opposition Democratic Party visited the closed-door meeting room where the ruling People Power Party lawmakers are having a party-wide discussion, demanding they cast their ballots on the impeachment motion of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

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«Impeachment vote in progress»

By Choi He-suk

The vote on the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to unfold, with the Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik holding off counting the votes as the ruling People Power Party left the main chamber without voting on the bill.

After the vote on the bill for special counsel probe into first lady Kim Keon Hee, most ruling party lawmakers left the chamber, boycotting the impeachment vote.

Of the ruling party, Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo remained behind and voted on the motion.

After opposition lawmakers voted on the motion, Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik held off counting the votes, urging the ruling party to return and to vote on the matter.

With some ruling party lawmakers rumored to be holding back others from returning to vote, Reps. Kim Sang-wook and Kim Yea-ji returned and cast their ballots.

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«Ruling party floor leader expected to announce resignation»

By Cho Chung-un

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 18:14

Ruling party floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho is expected to announce his resignation on Saturday, according to reports.

"Floor Leader Choo has expressed his intention to resign to those around him," a party official was quoted as saying, according to news reports. "He will officially convey his decision to lawmakers before or after the plenary session vote."

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050028

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«No. 2 at NIS accuses chief of condoning martial law»

By Kim Arin

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 18:02

Hong Jang-won, the former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, claims he was snubbed when he informed Cho Tae-yong, the NIS director, that President Yoon Suk Yeol asked for the spy agency to cooperate with the military in arresting political leaders on the night of martial law.

Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Park Sun-won on Saturday shared with reporters the text of a KakaoTalk messenger conversation he had with Hong earlier the same day, in which the former NIS deputy director made the claims. Park said Hong wanted him to release the conversation.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050027

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«Bill to investigate Kim Keon Hee fails to pass»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 17:48

The National Assembly on Saturday failed to pass a special counsel bill to investigate multiple allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee, including election meddling, leakage of classified information and stock manipulation.

The National Assembly voted 198-102 in favor of the bill, once again falling short of the two-thirds threshold required of all 300 lawmakers present to approve the measure.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050026

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«Main opposition files impeachment motion against Interior Minister Lee Sang-min»

By Ahn Sung-mi

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 15:33

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Saturday filed an impeachment motion against Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, accusing him of involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law this week.

The liberal party said in a statement that it submitted the impeachment motion to the National Assembly at 10:30 a.m. The party plans to report the motion during Saturday’s plenary session, where the vote on President Yoon’s impeachment will take place.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050019

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«Early end to Yoon’s term unavoidable: ruling party chief»

By Kim Arin

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 11:51

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, said Saturday an early end to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s term was “unavoidable,” but he did not specifically mention impeachment.

Speaking to reporters immediately after Yoon’s address to the nation at 10 a.m., Han said the president was “in a situation where he is unable to perform his normal duties as a president.”

https://news.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050006

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«Opposition leader 'disappointed' by Yoon Suk Yeol's address, presses Yoon to step down»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published: Dec. 7, 2024 - 10:55

Opposition leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung expressed disappointment Saturday over President Yoon Suk Yeol's televised apology at 10 a.m. the same day, in which he said he would entrust power to his party.

"I was extremely disappointed," said Lee, who leads the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, adding Yoon's address "did not meet the expectation of the ordinary people at all, and was rather feeding ordinary people's anger."

https://news.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050005

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«Yoon apologizes for martial law declaration, vows there won’t be another»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 7, 2024 - 10:19

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologized to the South Korean people for the public concern he caused by declaring martial law.

In a televised address to the nation, Yoon also promised that there would not be another declaration of martial law.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050003

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«Yoon to address nation at 10 a.m. ahead of impeachment vote»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 7, 2024 - 09:19

The Presidential Office announced Friday morning that President Yoon Suk Yeol will deliver a televised address to the nation at 10 a.m. This comes hours before the National Assembly is set to vote on an impeachment motion against him, at 5 p.m. the same day.

The impeachment push follows President Yoon's surprise declaration of martial law on Tuesday night, which placed the nation under emergency military rule. Martial law was lifted just six hours later, following a parliamentary resolution that effectively overturned the president's unilateral imposition of emergency measures.

The president’s address is expected to clarify his stance and respond to mounting criticism over his martial law declaration.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241207050002

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«Impeachment vote set at 5 p.m. Saturday: Democratic Party»

By Lee Si-jin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 21:23

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Friday announced the motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol will be put to a vote at 5 p.m. on Saturday, two hours before the original timeline.

Rep. Park Seong-jun of the main opposition pointed out the decision was made in regards to the possible People Power Party’s strategy to postpone the voting procedures, according to local news reports on Friday night.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050123

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«Ruling party leader keeps stance of suspending Yoon Suk Yeol from his position»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 18:25

People Power Party Chair Han Dong-hoon maintained his stance that President Yoon Suk Yeol should be "suspended from his position," he told party lawmakers after a face-to-face meeting with the embattled South Korean president on Friday afternoon. Han also said did not hear anything from Yoon to overturn his stance announced earlier in the day.

"I did not hear anything from Yoon that could have changed my position," Han was quoted as saying at the party meeting Friday afternoon in news reports.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050099

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«Capital defense, counterintelligence, special warfare commanders suspended»

By Kim Arin

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 16:55

The commanders of defense counterintelligence, special warfare and capital defense, respectively, have been suspended from active duties as of 4 p.m. Friday over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law enactment, the Ministry of National Defense said.

The three commanders -- Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, Special Warfare Commander Kwak Jong-geun and Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo -- were directly involved in the martial law plans, according to the Defense Ministry.

The Defense Ministry said they have been put on standby for assignment.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050092

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«Yoon Suk Yeol's rumored visit to National Assembly causes commotion»

By Yoon Min-sik

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 16:55

The presidential office confirmed Friday afternoon that President Yoon Suk Yeol did not have plans to visit the National Assembly, but the rumors about him visiting the legislature had caused a commotion among the opposition lawmakers gathered there.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik held an emergency press conference and said that he had not been told of Yoon's visit that was rumored to be at around 3 p.m., and asked him to "postpone the visit, if he does intend to do so."

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050091

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«National Assembly speaker vows to defend democracy, people»

By Choi Jeong-yoon

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 16:27

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik pledged on Friday that the parliament would do everything in its power to safeguard South Korea’s democracy and protect its citizens, following concerns over rumors and reports that President Yoon Suk Yeol may declare martial law for a second time.

Woo issued a stern warning against any attempt to declare martial law again, following reports suggesting Yoon may be considering such a move.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050090

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«Special units formed to probe Yoon's martial law declaration»

By Park Jun-hee

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 15:54

Special investigation units to probe President Yoon Suk Yeol's sudden declaration of martial law that lasted six hours and threw the country into chaos are being formed as he faces an impeachment vote Saturday at 7 p.m.

The prosecution's investigation team will be led by Park Se-hyun, chief prosecutor of Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, according to officials.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050084

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«Constitutional Court moves to review illegality of martial law declaration»

By Yoon Min-sik

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 15:49

The acting chief justice of the Constitutional Court said Friday the court had designated a justice to review whether or not President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law had been unconstitutional.

Justice Moon Hyung-bae told reporters that a constitutional complaint against Yoon's order on Tuesday night had been registered, and a judge had been named to preside over the case. The case is currently being reviewed.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050083

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«Spy chief denies reports Yoon ordered NIS to arrest politicians»

By Kim Arin

Published: Dec. 6, 2024 - 15:41

Cho Tae-yong, the director of the National Intelligence Service, said President Yoon Suk Yeol did not give the spy agency any orders about arresting politicians.

Cho denied claims raised by Hong Jang-won, the NIS deputy director, who said the president told him to arrest politicians.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050082

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«Yoon Suk Yeol ordered arrest of ruling, opposition leaders during martial law: deputy intelligence chief»

By Yoon Min-sik

Published: Dec.6, 2024 - 15:13

The deputy director of the South Korean spy agency said Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol had ordered him to arrest prominent political figures including the leaders of both the ruling and multiple opposition parties on Tuesday night following his sudden declaration of martial law.

Hong Jang-won, the first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, told the National Assembly that he had been ordered to take into custody six top political leaders: ruling People Power Party Chair Han Dong-hoon, main opposition Democratic Party of Korea Chair Rep. Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Park Chan-dae, minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party Chair Rep. Cho Kuk, Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050071

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«Yoon, Han meet before impeachment vote»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 14:37

President Yoon Suk Yeol and the ruling People Power Party Han Dong-hoon are rumored to have met Friday before the National Assembly impeachment vote expected Saturday.

According to news reports, Yoon and Han are to meet at the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul later Friday to discuss the aftermath of Yoon's declaration of martial law earlier this week.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050057

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«Allies’ top diplomats talk as US rebukes, questions Yoon’s martial law decree»

By Ji Da-gyum

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 14:35

The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States held their first discussions on Friday since President Yoon's sudden and short-lived declaration of martial law, as the Biden administration has openly questioned its legitimacy in light of individual rights and liberties and voiced sharp criticism.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed domestic developments following Yoon's martial law declaration and exchanged views on the Korea-US relationship during their phone call, according to Seoul's Foreign Ministry.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050056

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«Who is Han Dong-hoon? A key player in Korea’s presidential impeachment drama»

By Shin Ji-hye

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 14:22

Ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, once President Yoon Suk Yeol’s staunchest ally, has called for the swift suspension of Yoon’s duties amid ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Han’s shift in stance could decisively shape South Korea’s political landscape.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050055

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«Agriculture minister apologizes for attending Yoon’s Cabinet meeting for martial law declaration»

By Kim Hae-yeon

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 14:12

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong on Friday expressed deep regret over her attending a Cabinet meeting convened by President Yoon Suk Yeol Tuesday night to discuss martial law declaration.

“If I had known about the agenda, I wouldn’t have attended the meeting. I feel deeply sorry to the public,” Song told reporters after a meeting at the government complex in Sejong.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050053

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«South Korean military says will defy another martial law»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:46

The acting defense minister of South Korea said Friday the military would defy any further attempts to enact martial law, should President Yoon Suk Yeol decide to declare it a second time.

Kim Seon-ho, the acting defense minister, told a press conference the military would refuse to follow orders from Yoon, the commander-in-chief, if he makes such a declaration.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050049

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«NIS agents banned from entering National Assembly»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:36

National Intelligence Service agents have been suspended from entering National Assembly buildings after troops broke in following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.

Several sources told The Korea Herald on Friday the National Assembly Secretariat has banned NIS agents from accessing parliament buildings starting Wednesday, along with the police and the Ministry of National Defense officials.

The entry passes for NIS agents have been suspended accordingly, sources said.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050047

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«Choongam High School official slams president, ex-defense minister as ‘shameful alumni’»

By Song Seung-hyun

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:28

The chair of the Choongam High School's foundation publicly criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol and other former pupils for their involvement in Tuesday's declaration of martial law.

Chair Yoon Myung-hwa denounced members of the government's "Choongam faction," including the president and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, calling them “shameful alumni.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050044

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«Prime Minister orders public servants to remain at posts, carry on their duties»

By Jung Min-kyung

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:25

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Friday urged all Cabinet members and public servants to remain at their posts, as the conservative bloc has been grappling with chaos from the aftermath of President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law decree early this week.

"I ask all Cabinet members and public officials of ministries to fulfill their assigned duties at all times to ensure the nation's safety and that people can carry on with their everyday lives without (concerns)," Han said in a written statement to the public.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050043

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«SNU med profs urge Yoon's impeachment»

By Park Jun-hee

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:24

Amid growing calls for President Yoon Suk Yeol to be suspended, the emergency medical professors at Seoul National University and Seoul National University Hospital on Friday were set to hold a press conference at the school at 2 p.m. to urge Yoon's impeachment.

This marks the first action among the medical circles calling for the unpopular president's impeachment.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050042

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«Special Warfare Commander says no more martial law, vows to refuse such order»

By Cho Chung-un

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 13:21

Kwak Jong-geun, the Special Warfare Commander who led special forces into the Assembly on Tuesday evening, said Friday that there would be no additional martial law and that he will refuse any such orders in the future.

Speaking at a YouTube live show hosted by Democratic Party lawmakers Park Sun-won and Kim Byung-joo, members of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, Kwak said he received orders from Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to drag lawmakers out of the Assembly, 20 minutes before President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an emergency martial law on Tuesday night.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050041

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«NEC decries troop dispatch as 'clear violation of Constitution'»

By Yoon Min-sik

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 12:35

The National Election Commission on Friday said the government dispatching soldiers to its offices Tuesday night was a clear violation of South Korea's Constitution and also of other laws, vowing legal action against those responsible.

"After the emergency martial law was declared on Dec. 3, about 300 martial law forces forced their way into the NEC headquarters and other offices. ... The troops confiscated the cellphones of five officials, blocked off the entrances and set a perimeter around the area, occupying the headquarters for 3 hours and 20 minutes," said Rho Tae-ak, the chairperson of the state-run election commission, after the agency's emergency meeting Friday morning at its headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050040

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«Seoul mayor demands Yoon Suk Yeol break 'irresponsible silence'»

By Lee Jung-joo

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 12:13

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to “take full responsibility” and “present a concrete plan to address the crisis. “

“Impeachment is not the only answer,” Oh said through a Facebook post. “The president must break his irresponsible silence.”

Yoon hasn’t made a public appearance since ending the emergency martial law declaration early Wednesday.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050038

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«Korean markets tumble amid impeachment talks»

By Moon Joon-hyun

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 11:52

South Korea’s stock markets dropped sharply Friday as political tensions intensified over calls to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, adding pressure to an already fragile investment landscape.

As of 11:05 a.m., the Kospi, South Korea’s main stock index, fell 31.56 points, or 1.29 percent to 2,410.49. Although the market opened slightly higher due to bargain-hunting after recent declines, those early gains quickly reversed.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050035

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«Culture Ministry seeks to ease tourism concerns»

By Lee Si-jin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 11:38

The Culture Ministry has sought to ease concerns about tourism safety in South Korea following a brief six-hour martial law declaration on Tuesday night.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shared an official document Thursday with the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Association, Korea Association of Travel Agents, and other local travel organizations, confirming that diplomatic notes had been sent to foreign embassies to ensure travelers of their safety.

“Daily life in South Korea remains unchanged. Travel and economic activities are unaffected, and travel advisories are unnecessary,” the Culture Ministry stated in a press statement quoting the diplomatic note.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050033

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«Rights group claims proof of 2nd martial law declaration»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 11:35

South Korean rights group the Center for Military Human Rights Korea revealed Friday that it has obtained proof that President Yoon Suk Yeol is preparing to impose martial law again in the near future.

South Korea's Army commanders were ordered to stand by for an emergency call-up as the Army imposed a temporary ban on leave until Sunday, according to the military human rights group, without disclosing the names of the commanders that it suspects had received such instructions.

This indication of Army bases maintaining an emergency readiness posture despite the lifting of the martial law Wednesday signals that the military is open to emergency deployment for a second martial law declaration, the group claimed.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050032

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«Major rally set to call for Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment Saturday in Yeouido»

By Shin Ji-hye

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 10:59

The first major Saturday protest since President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law is set to take place in Yeouido, Seoul, on Saturday. The organizers say that an estimated 200,000 people will take part in the protest.

The Group for the Movement to Oust the Yoon Suk Yeol Administration, led primarily by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Korea's largest umbrella labor union, plans to hold a large-scale rally in front of the National Assembly at 3 p.m. At present, the motion to impeach the president is expected to be put to the vote at 7 p.m. Saturday.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050025

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«Prosecution forms special probe unit for Yoon's martial law»

By Cho Chung-un

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 10:59

The prosecution said Friday it had formed a special investigation unit to probe President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration. The unit will be led by Park Se-hyun, chief prosecutor of Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, the office said.

The police, meanwhile, said they had assigned some 120 investigators to probe the case, separately from the prosecution.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050026

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«1st open support of Yoon impeachment from ruling party lawmaker»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 10:51

Rep. Cho Kyung-tae became the first from the ruling People Power Party to back removing President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, after Han Dong-hoon, the party chair, spoke in support of impeachment earlier Friday.

The six-time lawmaker told reporters on this day Yoon declaring martial law was “unconstitutional and illegal,” and that the impeachment bill against the president should be put to vote as soon as possible.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050024

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«DP considering accusing ruling party floor leader of treason»

By Cho Chung-un

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 10:44

The main opposition Democratic Party said it was considering accusing ruling party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho of treason, accusing him of attempting to obstruct the Assembly's resolution to lift martial law on Wednesday.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050023

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«President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating plummets to 13%: Gallup Korea»

By Son Ji-hyoung

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 10:20

President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating plummeted to 13 percent after his short-lived martial law declaration, down by 6 percentage points from a week before, a poll by Gallup Korea showed Friday.

Within a week, the approval rating during the period between Wednesday and Thursday fell by 3 percentage points from 16 percent as of Tuesday, according to a poll of 1,001 respondents.

Some 80 percent of respondents disapproved of Yoon after his speech declaring martial law. This figure hit an all-time high since his inauguration in May 2022.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050014

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«Top economic officials say market 'largely stabilized' following martial law debacle»

By Yonhap

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 09:58

Top economic and financial authorities said Friday that the financial and foreign exchange markets have "largely stabilized" following the brief imposition of emergency martial law earlier this week.

Such assessment was made during an emergency meeting to evaluate the potential impact of President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law late Tuesday, which was reversed within hours by the National Assembly.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050010

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«Seoul shares open higher; impeachment vote result eyed»

By Yonhap

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 09:44

Seoul shares opened higher Friday on auto and energy gains, with investors eyeing the planned parliamentary vote for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his botched declaration of martial law earlier this week.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index rose 13.68 points, or 0.56 percent, to 2,455.53 in the first 15 minutes of trading.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050007

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«Yoon needs to be stopped from exercising power as president: ruling party head»

By Kim Arin

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 09:43

Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon said Friday morning President Yoon Suk Yeol should no longer be allowed to exercise his presidential powers.

Han called an emergency meeting of People Power Party leadership that day, and said he has damning evidence Yoon mobilized troops in a bid to arrest politicians over the hours martial law was still in effect.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050006

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«State Dept. says S. Korea-US alliance 'transcends any particular president'»

By Yonhap

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 09:40

The South Korea-US alliance "transcends any particular president," a State Department spokesperson said Thursday, as the National Assembly is moving to vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law imposition.

Principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel made the remarks, voicing expectation that the impeachment process will proceed in line with South Korea's Constitution.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050005

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«Austin has 'no plans' to travel to S. Korea after martial law episode: US official»

By Yonhap

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 09:36

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has "no plans" to visit South Korea "at this time," an official said Thursday, following a report that he scrapped a plan to travel to the Asian country in the aftermath of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law imposition.

The move came amid concerns that despite Washington's renewed commitment to the "rock-solid" alliance, a period of uncertainty in South Korea could affect coordination between the allies over North Korea's security challenge and other key issues.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241206050004

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«Martial law’s impact»

By Korea Herald

Published : Dec. 6, 2024 - 05:30

South Koreans remain deeply disturbed by what President Yoon Suk Yeol did to the nation this week. His misguided and perplexing declaration of the short-lived martial law has caused a whirlwind of outrage, confusion and conflict.

Why and how he managed to do something so erratic is not yet clear; what’s certain, however, is that he has touched off a sweeping firestorm of embarrassment across Korean society.

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20241205050134