South Korean police are raiding the presidential office in Seoul following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to declare martial law last week.
According to AFP, authorities have reportedly gained access to the civil service offices but remain unable to enter the main building, which is guarded by security personnel.
The raids mark the latest chapter in a turbulent week for South Korean politics.
President Yoon, who continues to hold office despite an impeachment vote and widespread calls for his resignation, is under multiple investigations by various government branches on charges of insurrection and treason.
Meanwhile, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who accepted responsibility for the martial law declaration, attempted suicide while in detention on Tuesday night, an official disclosed. Kim is currently being monitored in a secured room and reported having “no current health issues,” the defense ministry informed parliament. He was arrested on Sunday.
Several officials close to President Yoon have resigned in the aftermath of the brief martial law announcement, further deepening the political crisis.
The country remains in a state of political uncertainty. Lawmakers from the ruling party boycotted a vote to impeach Yoon after he agreed to shorten his term and refrain from participating in foreign and domestic affairs.
However, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, has condemned the agreement. Floor leader Park Chan-dae labeled it “an illegal, unconstitutional second insurrection and coup.”
President Yoon’s current authority is unclear, as protesters continue to take to the streets demanding his resignation.
‘Pressure on Yoon is building’
Eighteen investigators were dispatched to the South Korean presidential office on Wednesday to seize records related to a cabinet meeting held on the night martial law was declared, according to local reports.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, one of the suspects named in the search warrant, was not present in his office when the raids began. Police are now negotiating with his security team on the procedures for searching.
Before his presidency, Yoon gained prominence as a prosecutor known for pursuing high-ranking officials. Notably, in 2016, he led the investigation into former President Park Geun-hye, which culminated in her impeachment.
Historically, security teams for past presidents have blocked investigators from conducting such searches. However, analysts suggest that Wednesday’s raid signals increased pressure on Yoon and his allies as the political turmoil intensifies.
“The raids mean that investigations are picking up pace, including for Yoon,” Mason Richey, an associate professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, told the BBC.
“Given what we think we know as of now, Yoon will likely be impeached sooner rather than later. Either before or after, he will probably also face arrest, questioning, and eventually charges for insurrection.”
Prof Richey added, however, that “the situation remains fluid”.
The last time a president’s office was searched was Din ecember 2019 over a corruption accusation iagainstthe former vice mayor of Busan. The prosecution did not get inside the office grounds at the time but was handed the material by the office, as per protocol.
At the time, the country was led by former president Moon Jae-in, with Yoon only assuming the role in 2022.