South Korea: Police Raid Presidential Office

South Korean police raided the office of President Yoon Suk-yeol as part of an ongoing investigation into the recent declaration of martial law, which was revoked hours after its announcement due to public and political backlash.

The special investigation team also targeted several key institutions, including the National Police Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service.

President Yoon faced intense criticism after briefly imposing martial law last week. Opposition parties labeled the move an overreach of power, forcing him to rescind the order. The incident has since spurred widespread protests and demands for accountability.

Former Defense Minister Kim Young-hyun, accused of abusing his authority, was arrested on Tuesday. Just before his detention, Kim reportedly attempted to take his own life, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. Authorities stated his arrest was necessary to prevent evidence tampering.

Kim, in a message relayed through his lawyers, accepted sole responsibility for the situation, asserting that subordinate officials acted under his directives.

The crackdown extends to other officials implicated in the failed martial law attempt. Travel bans have been imposed on President Yoon, Kim Young-hyun, and several other high-ranking individuals, including a general responsible for operational planning.

The Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency and the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency have also been detained, signaling a broadening probe into the matter.