South Korean police on Monday failed to raid the presidential office and a so-called safe house where President Yoon Suk Yeol is believed to have discussed the imposition of martial law with officials and military commanders.
Investigators planned to seize CCTV footage that would have revealed who came to meet with Yoon at his safe house before last year’s attempt to declare martial law. Security officials, however, did not allow police officers access to this data.
President Yoon was arrested on January 15 at his residence in Hannam-dong and has since been detained. He is suspected of declaring martial law on December 3 last year to suppress political opponents as well as attempting to stage a mutiny, as evidenced by reports of the military sent to parliament to disrupt the vote to lift martial law.
Law enforcement agencies have been repeatedly obstructed by the President’s security service. Earlier, on December 11 and 12, police attempted to search administrative offices but were denied access due to references to state and military secrets. Similar failed attempts were also made on December 27, when police tried to access documents and CCTV footage.
According to the latest reports, a court in Seoul has authorised Yoon’s detention. Earlier at the court hearing, tens of thousands of his supporters protested the decision, demanding his release. However, the court raised concerns about the possibility of evidence being destroyed if the president were to remain at large.
Further police action and the outcome of the investigation will have serious implications for the political situation in the country as well as the future of the president amid ongoing public discontent and protests.
