On Monday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol banned from foreign travel over a failed attempt at imposing martial law. The justice ministry official announced it amid growing calls for him to step down and a deepening leadership crisis.
On Saturday, President has apologised for the botched attempt and said he was leaving his political and legal fate to his ruling People Power Party (PPP) but has not resigned. He has become the subject of criminal investigation, according to local media reports.
Yoon tried to end civilian rule last Tuesday lasted just six hours after lawmakers scuffled in the parliament building. Under the South Korea’s constitution, the president remains as head of the government and commander-in-chief of the army unless he or she resigns or incapacitated.
The defence ministry said that Yoon was still legally commander in chief, but his grip on power has come into question with dissent growing among senior military officers against the president. His own party assuring that it would establish a task force to handle his eventual resignation.
During parliamentary hearing, Bae Sang-Up, an immigration services commissioner, confirmed that Yoon was the subject of a travel ban. Senior PPP politicians have claimed Yoon can continue as president while delegating his powers to the prime minister. Opposition parties have vowed to introduce another impeachment motion this week. Han Dong-hon, PPP leader, said that Yoon would not take part in foreign and other state affairs. The prime minister, Han Duck-soo, will hold the control of administration.
Meanwhile, national assembly speaker said that it would be unconstitutional to deliver powers to prime minister without first impeaching the president. The defence ministry created more confusion by adding that Yoon is still commander-in-chief of the South Korean military. Although in an effort to gain public trust, military leaders said they would defy any orders to impose martial law. This political turmoil in South Korea has created a fuss that who is actually now administrating the country.
