Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly ordered arrests of political opponents and judge during martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is under fire for his short-lived martial law declaration on 3 December, with allegations that he ordered arrests of lawmakers and a judge.

According to Yonhap, National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho has made claims during questioning that Yoon instructed him to detain lawmakers who opposed the government.

Cho alleged that Yoon called him six times following the martial law declaration, demanding he “round them all up.”

However, Cho reportedly refused to execute these orders, citing their implausibility.

He also claimed that Defence Counterintelligence Commander Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung had instructed him to track the locations of 15 political figures, including opposition members and ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon.

Cho is currently in custody, pending a court ruling on his formal arrest.

The martial law declaration, initially planned for 10 p.m. on 3 December, was delayed and announced at 10:23 p.m.

Yoon had intended to block the National Assembly and other institutions by 11 p.m., but the plan fell apart following widespread condemnation and legal challenges.

Alleged orders against judiciary

Cho’s lawyer has also claimed that Yoon targeted judicial figures during the martial law period.

Among them was Judge Kim Dong-hyun of the Seoul Central District Court, who recently acquitted opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in a perjury trial.

This ruling had reduced Lee’s legal risks as a potential presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The Supreme Court issued a statement condemning Yoon’s alleged actions, calling them a “serious infringement on judicial authority” and urging a thorough investigation.

The court reaffirmed the need to uphold the rule of law in a democratic state.

Political fallout

Yoon has defended his martial law declaration as a necessary act to restore governance, accusing the opposition of paralysing the government.

In a public address on Thursday, he denied accusations of insurrection and vowed to fight any impeachment or investigation. “Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will fairly confront it,” he stated.

Yoon criticised the opposition-dominated National Assembly for its impeachment efforts and budget cuts, accusing them of undermining the democratic process.

Despite his assertions, the Assembly passed next year’s budget of 673.3 trillion won (approximately S$632.8 billion) and impeachment motions against senior officials.

Last Saturday, Yoon survived an impeachment motion after ruling party lawmakers staged a walkout, preventing a quorum.

However, opposition lawmakers have vowed to continue submitting weekly impeachment bills. Another vote is scheduled for this Saturday.