Considered a “hawk” and close to Yoon, Kim Yong-hyun was one of the most prominent figures in the South Korean government
South Korea’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has banned former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun from traveling abroad due to his role in declaring martial law in the country.
“Seoul Central District prosecutors have imposed a travel ban on the former minister,” South Korean news agency Yonhap said, citing judicial sources.
Hours earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol accepted the resignation of the Defense Minister, who took responsibility for declaring martial law, and appointed a retired military officer, Choi Byun-hyuk, to the position.
Considered a “hawk” and close to Yoon, Kim Yong-hyun was one of the most prominent figures in the South Korean government.
Former head of Yoon’s presidential security, Kim was appointed to the position in August and confirmed in September. As Defense Minister, he had the power to recommend the declaration of martial law to the President.
During the parliamentary hearing, prior to confirmation as Defense Minister, the Democratic Party (PD, opposition) suggested that the reason behind the appointment was to prepare the Government, increasingly weakened and surrounded by the opposition, to declare martial law, something that Kim vehemently denied it.
Choi, Kim’s successor, was introduced by Yoon’s chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, as an experienced military man with extensive knowledge of security matters and extensive experience in the field.
South Korea’s parliament will vote on a motion to dismiss the President on Saturday, Yonhap also reported.
However, the South Korean police announced the opening of an investigation for “rebellion” against Yoon.
On Tuesday night, Yoon informed the country of the imposition of martial law to “eradicate the pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional order” from “anti-state” activities, having accused the main opposition bloc, the PD.
A few hours later, the President lifted martial law, after the National Assembly revoked the decision, at a time when thousands were protesting in the streets of Seoul.
