South Korean President Banned from Leaving Country Amid Legal and Political Turmoil

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the justice ministry confirmed on Monday. This unprecedented move comes just days after Yoon sparked widespread chaos by briefly imposing martial law on December 3, sending special forces and helicopters to parliament. Lawmakers swiftly rejected the decree, forcing him to rescind the order.

Yoon’s leadership has faced growing opposition, with massive protests calling for his resignation, as well as an impeachment motion in parliament that narrowly failed on Saturday. Despite surviving the motion, Yoon remains under intense scrutiny, with several investigations, including one for alleged insurrection, closing in on him and his close associates.

In a historic development, Yoon has become the first sitting South Korean president to be banned from leaving the country. The justice ministry’s confirmation came after a parliamentary hearing, where immigration services commissioner Bae Sang-up confirmed the travel ban.

Alongside Yoon, former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun (currently in detention), former interior minister Lee Sang-min, and key military figures, including General Park An-su and counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung, are also under travel bans due to their involvement in the martial law operation.

The unfolding crisis continues to pose significant political and legal challenges for President Yoon and his administration.