In the wake of South Korea’s national crisis, Interior Minister Lee Sang Min resigned. “I acknowledge my responsibility and sincerely apologize to the nation,” Lee told South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo.
Lee, considered a close confidante of President Yoon Suk-yeol, is under investigation for sedition. Just hours earlier, South Korean prosecutors had arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun.
Minister of the Interior as a string puller?
The 65-year-old, who resigned on Wednesday and was replaced by a new minister the next day, was an open supporter and possible mastermind of the president’s decision to declare martial law.
Yoon imposed it unexpectedly on Tuesday evening and lifted it again hours later, after massive political resistance.
Special investigators from the Public Prosecution Service also seized Kim’s mobile phone during the arrest, the Public Prosecution Service said. According to a report by Yonhap news agency, authorities are also investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon’s arrest demanded
Thousands of people protested in front of the parliament in Seoul on Sunday. They called for Yoon’s arrest and deposition.
Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul prosecutor’s office and was questioned before his arrest that evening, Yonhap reported. Kim’s office was also raided on suspicion of treason. According to a senior military official and presidential impeachment documents, Kim played a central role. He resigned on Wednesday.
Three opposition parties filed complaints with prosecutors against Yoon, Kim and state commander Park An Su for inciting a riot. If convicted, the crime is punishable by death or life in prison.
Martial law was declared and revoked
President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law last week. He justified his actions by accusing the opposition of being accomplices of the communist north and having taken the parliamentary process hostage to plunge the country into crisis.
After massive protests, including within his party, he lifted martial law after six hours.
On Saturday, Yoon survived impeachment proceedings launched by the opposition, when almost all MPs from the ruling PPP party left the House before the vote. According to PPP leader Han Dong Hoon, Yoon wants to resign.
The PPP and Yoon would work together to find a way for an orderly exit, he said on Saturday. Yoon actually agreed to this plan. He will not perform any duties until he leaves.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
