South Korean police announced on Dec. 9 that they would follow established protocols in addressing calls for the arrest and search of President Yoon Suk-yeol, beginning with the collection of relevant evidence. When questioned about the possibility of imposing a travel ban on the president, officials stated that the matter was “under review.”
On Dec. 3, authorities disclosed plans to summon witnesses as part of their investigation into figures implicated in the emergency martial law case, which involves several Cabinet members from the period. Police have identified 11 individuals as suspects, including President Yoon. Others named include former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, Defense Security Command Commander Yeo In-hyung, Capital Defense Command Commander Lee Jin-woo, Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jeong-geun, National Police Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho, Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong-sik, the head of the National Assembly Police Guards, and ruling People Power Party Representative Choo Kyung-ho. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is not among the accused. A police official noted that five complaints related to the case have been filed so far.
Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Investigation Division at the National Police Agency, emphasized the gravity of the case, saying, “Despite the controversies surrounding the investigation into the emergency martial law case, we approach our responsibility as the lead investigative body in treason cases with the utmost seriousness. The special task force investigating the emergency martial law declared by President Yoon will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation grounded in law and principles, leaving no room for doubt.”
The investigation has fueled competition among the police, the prosecution, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, all of which are actively involved. Police underscored their jurisdiction over treason cases under existing legal frameworks. Woo reiterated the agency’s dedication, stating, “We will scrutinize the decision-making process behind the martial law declaration, its effects on the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, and the actions taken by law enforcement agencies.”
On Dec. 8, police conducted searches of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun’s office, official residence, and private home. Investigators have also questioned key witnesses, including officials from the National Election Commission and the Ministry of National Defense. “Our focus is on substantiating the allegations through forensic analysis of confiscated materials and phone records,” Woo said. Regarding a mobile phone seized from Kim, he clarified, “We are analyzing the device but cannot confirm if it was used during the martial law incident.”
Police suggested that additional charges, including foreign instigation, could be brought against President Yoon and other suspects. “The charges against President Yoon currently include treason and abuse of power,” a representative said. “As the investigation progresses, new charges may be added or existing ones revised.” On Dec. 8, Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung claimed that former Defense Minister Kim had ordered a direct strike on the source of balloon bombs, a move that could potentially constitute foreign instigation under criminal law.
During a press briefing, police addressed questions about alleged links between President Yoon and far-right YouTubers. When asked whether they were investigating claims of ties between the president and extremist conservative content creators, an official responded, “We have received no reports on this matter and have nothing to address at this time.”
