Yoon Faces 'Ssamunchoha' Pressure Over Martial Law Investigation... Presidential Office Maintains Silence

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a live national address at 10 a.m. on the 7th, ahead of the impeachment vote related to the declaration of martial law. President Yoon apologized to the public for the martial law situation and stated that he would entrust his term and political stability measures to the party. (TV recording) Photo by Jo Yong-jun

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President Yoon Suk-yeol narrowly escaped the impeachment crisis with the dismissal of the impeachment motion, but now faces a 'siege' as investigations into the martial law incident intensify.

On the 8th, Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated in a public address, "The majority of the people believe that President Yoon should step down as he cannot conduct normal state affairs for the remainder of his term." In particular, regarding the investigation into the martial law incident, he emphasized, "It will be conducted strictly, without sanctuary, and transparently," adding, "Neither the government nor the party will defend anyone, including the president, in relation to the martial law incident."

The investigation into the martial law incident is also gaining momentum. The Special Investigation Headquarters of the prosecution urgently arrested former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, who proposed the declaration of martial law to President Yoon, earlier that morning. The National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters conducted a search and seizure of Kim's official residence and the Minister of National Defense's office, initiating a forced investigation. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials also assigned the case to its Investigation Division 4.

President Yoon appears to be preparing himself mentally, as he stated in his public address the previous day. He said, "I will not evade legal or political responsibility related to this martial law declaration." According to the constitution, the president cannot be criminally prosecuted while in office, except for crimes of rebellion or treason. Since President Yoon is suspected of rebellion, he can be investigated by law enforcement agencies regardless of impeachment proceedings.

Although the impeachment crisis has been averted for now, the presidential office has effectively ceased all functions as it faces both strong impeachment attacks from the opposition and the threat of investigation. Even after People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced in a public statement that "we will promptly resolve the current political situation and prevent any government vacuum," the presidential office has remained silent without issuing any statements.

A presidential office official said, "There will be no official statement today," adding, "There are no planned matters yet." Some sense confusion in the unprecedented situation. Another presidential office official said, "This is the first time we have experienced such chaos," and refrained from further comment. The Presidential Security Service is reportedly discussing response measures in case forced investigations are conducted on the presidential office and the security service.

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