South Korea is in political chaos after police raided the presidential office in connection with an alleged attempt by President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law.
The raid follows accusations of insurrection against Yoon and several of his allies.
A travel ban has been imposed on the president and key officials, as investigations into the dramatic events of last week deepen.
Authorities are seeking evidence from a cabinet meeting held on the night martial law was declared.
President Yoon was not present during the raid, according to reports from local media.
This marks the first time in years that police have raided the Blue House, the official presidential office, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The president has apologised for the martial law attempt but has refused to resign, despite mounting pressure from the opposition and protests on the streets.
The controversy began last Tuesday when Yoon reportedly declared martial law, a decision that was retracted hours later.
Protesters and opposition lawmakers accused him of attempting to seize authoritarian control over the country.
In a statement over the weekend, Yoon expressed regret but stopped short of accepting responsibility for the fallout.
“The president has crossed a dangerous line,” said opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. “This is not just a political crisis; it is a crisis for our democracy.”
Yoon’s approval ratings have plunged to a historic low of 13%, reflecting the public’s outrage.
Amid the unfolding crisis, former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in custody.
Kim, who reportedly proposed the martial law declaration, was arrested last week.
He attempted to take his life late Tuesday night but was discovered before the attempt was completed.
“He is now under close monitoring and has no current health issues,” the Justice Ministry told parliament.
Kim had earlier stated he would take full responsibility for the decision, which he described as an “error in judgment.
Efforts to impeach President Yoon have so far failed due to resistance from his ruling People Power Party.
Last Saturday, a parliamentary vote to impeach him collapsed after members of Yoon’s party boycotted the session.
Undeterred, opposition lawmakers have pledged to hold impeachment votes every Saturday until Yoon steps down.
“The will of the people cannot be ignored,” said opposition MP Park Ji-won. “We will not stop until justice prevails.”
The opposition has also initiated a parliamentary investigation into the martial law declaration, seeking testimony from Yoon.
The head of South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), Oh Dong-woon, has said he is prepared to arrest Yoon if sufficient evidence is found.
Oh told lawmakers he has “plenty of will” to see the investigation through.
Prosecutors are now examining meeting records and communications from the night martial law was declared.
Police have also raided other key locations, including the National Assembly Police Guards and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, to gather evidence.
Yoon’s ability to govern has been severely questioned.
The leader of his party, Han Dong-hoon, announced that Yoon would no longer handle state affairs.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to oversee government operations until a roadmap for Yoon’s early exit is finalised.
Despite this, the Defence Ministry insists that Yoon still holds command over the armed forces, raising concerns about potential misuse of military power.
North Korea has weighed in on the controversy, with its state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun describing Yoon’s actions as “insane” and “fascist.”
“He brazenly brandished blades and guns of fascist dictatorship at his own people,” the paper wrote.
North Korea’s reaction reflects the severity of the incident, drawing comparisons to past military coups in South Korea.
Protests have erupted across South Korea, with demonstrators calling for Yoon to resign.
Workers have gone on strike in solidarity, while civil society groups have condemned the president’s actions.
“Yoon has lost the trust of the people,” said protester Kim Ji-yeon at a rally in Seoul.
