South Korea's Yoon overruled cabinet on martial law: Prosecutors

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Jan 2025 10:50

The prosecutor's 83-page report reveals that several high-ranking officials expressed serious concerns during a cabinet meeting held the night Yoon attempted to declare martial.

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Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, on December 14, 2024 (AP)

South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol disregarded objections from key cabinet members before his failed attempt to declare martial law last month, according to a prosecutor's report obtained by AFP on Sunday.

Yoon's decision on December 3 to declare martial law threw the country into political turmoil, leading to his suspension and confinement at his residence under heavy security, where he has resisted arrest efforts.

The 83-page report, which details the indictment of former defense minister Kim Yong-Hyun, reveals that several high-ranking officials expressed serious concerns during a cabinet meeting held the night Yoon made his move. These officials included the then-prime minister, foreign minister, and finance minister, who all warned about the potential economic and diplomatic fallout.

"The economy would face severe difficulties, and I fear a decline in international credibility," said then-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to the report. Han later became acting president after Yoon was stripped of his duties, but was also impeached by opposition lawmakers who accused him of failing to complete Yoon's impeachment process and bring him to justice.

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Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reportedly told Yoon that martial law would have "diplomatic repercussions but also destroy the achievements South Korea has built over the past 70 years."

Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok warned that the decision would have "devastating effects on the economy and the country's credibility."

Despite the cabinet's objections, Yoon reportedly insisted, "There is no turning back," claiming that the opposition, which had won a landslide in April's parliamentary elections, would lead the country to collapse. "Neither the economy nor diplomacy will function," he reportedly added.

An earlier report summary revealed that Yoon had authorized the military to use force to enter parliament during the botched martial law attempt.

Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, rejected the prosecutor's findings, arguing that the indictment report alone does not constitute an insurrection and that there is no legal basis or evidence for the charges.

Yoon remains under investigation for insurrection and faces potential arrest, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

The Constitutional Court has scheduled January 14 for the start of his impeachment trial, which will proceed in his absence if he does not attend. The court may also consider the prosecutors' report on Kim, one of the first figures indicted over the martial law attempt.