South Korean police raid president’s office

The search is part of a probe into Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law last week

South Korean police have raided President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office as part of an investigation into his brief imposition of martial law last week, which triggered widespread protests.

The raids are focused on gathering evidence related to the six-hour decree, Yonhap news agency reports.

The search warrant named Yoon as the suspect, with the president’s office, the cabinet meeting room, and the Presidential Security Service listed as subjects of the raid, Yonhap reported, citing the National Investigation Office of the National Police Agency.

Reports indicate that Yoon, who has become the country’s first sitting president to be slapped with an exit ban, was not present at the presidential office during the police operation.

Yoon announced martial law during a surprise televised address last week, claiming the opposition was preparing for a “rebellion.”

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He specifically accused the opposition Democratic Party of being sympathetic toward North Korea. Shortly after his announcement, lawmakers voted unanimously to lift the decree.

Protests erupted across the country, with thousands condemning Yoon’s actions. The president rescinded martial law six hours later, after parliament voted against it and following the public outcry.

The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, quickly moved to file a motion to impeach Yoon, citing his controversial decision as grounds for removal. He narrowly survived the impeachment attempt on Saturday after members of his ruling People Power Party boycotted the vote.

As the investigation unfolded, police also conducted raids at Seoul Metropolitan Police offices and the National Assembly Police Guards, and arrested a slew of officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.

The situation remains tense as Yoon has faced backlash from both lawmakers and the public. Despite the turmoil, however, he has not resigned, and has instead tasked his party with stabilizing the political environment.