South Korea Faces Political Turmoil: Travel Ban Imposed on President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an overseas travel ban amid potential insurrection charges after declaring martial law without parliamentary consent. His constitutional overreach sparked protests and a military standoff. Yoon, who narrowly escaped impeachment, now grapples with political survival as public backlash intensifies.

South Korea is in the throes of a political tempest as authorities impose an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces potential insurrection charges. This announcement arrives in the wake of his controversial attempt to enforce martial law, which ignited national uproar, according to CNN.

Yoon's political standing suffered a critical blow when his party, the People's Power Party, demanded his resignation, branding his leadership as a national hazard. His martial law declaration, aired live last Tuesday, was met with public outcry as thousands took to the streets, challenging his authority and calling for his impeachment.

The crisis reached a fever pitch when lawmakers burst through military roadblocks at the National Assembly to invalidate Yoon's decree. Although martial law was in effect for only six hours, the political ramifications were profound, leading Yoon to publicly apologize, admitting he instilled fear rather than security.

In a brief address, Yoon confessed his motivations were driven by a sense of responsibility but acknowledged his approach was misguided. Meanwhile, the travel ban further isolates Yoon as a special forces commander expressed remorse for his role in the crisis, labeling himself ineffective and seeking forgiveness for executing orders aligned with martial law enforcement.

Colonel Kim Hyun-tae admitted ordering his troops to forcibly enter the National Assembly, actions he described as reckless if executed in actual combat. His acknowledgment lent weight to the prosecution's ongoing investigation into alleged acts of treason involving former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, recently detained by authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)