South Korean President Yoon Barred From Traveling Abroad Amid Martial Law Probe

South Korea's Justice Ministry imposed an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as authorities investigate allegations of rebellion and other charges related to his brief declaration of martial law last week, Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Although Yoon narrowly avoided an impeachment attempt, the opposition vowed to submit a new impeachment motion this week. I Photo: 윤석열 Yoon Suk Yeol X

Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law decree, which deployed special forces to Seoul’s streets, plunged the country into political chaos and drew concern from key diplomatic partners.

Although Yoon narrowly avoided an impeachment attempt on Saturday—thanks to a boycott by most governing party lawmakers—the opposition vowed to submit a new impeachment motion this week.

Justice Ministry official Bae Sang-up confirmed during a parliamentary hearing that the travel ban followed requests from police, prosecutors, and an anti-corruption agency. Authorities are expanding their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Yoon’s actions.

A senior officer at the National Police Agency told reporters in a background briefing on Monday that police could detain Yoon if legal conditions are met, escalating the stakes in South Korea’s unfolding political crisis.