3 South Korean ‘martial law’ commanders suspended

ISTANBUL

At least three martial law commanders were suspended from duties in South Korea on Friday, in what seems to be a damage-control step by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The far east nation’s Defense Ministry said capital Defense Command Commander Lee Jin-woo, Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jong-geun, and Armed Forces Counterintelligence Command Commander Yeo In-hyeong were suspended from duties.

All of them are ranked lieutenant generals, according to Yonhap News.

The trio are accused of deploying troops to the parliament on Tuesday when Yoon announced army rule in the country.

But his decision was reversed within six hours after opposition lawmakers rushed to parliament and 190 of them voted down Yoon’s move.

Kim Yong-hyun, who was removed as defense minister on Thursday, took responsibility of the aborted move, dubbed as “self-coup” by the main opposition Democratic Party.

Kim has already been banned from traveling abroad.

Park An-su, who was named the martial law commander, has also tendered resignation which remains “under review” at the Defense Ministry.

Yoon will face an impeachment vote at the parliament on Saturday, and police have also opened investigation against him for alleged treason.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have sought travel ban on at least 10 soldiers for allegedly taking part in the brief martial law.

On alleged treason cases against Yoon, police and the prosecution formed two separate probe teams.

Police team comprises of some 120 personnel while prosecution team is led by Park Se-hyun, chief of Seoul High Prosecutors Office, to handle similar complaints.

The investigations come ahead of impeachment vote by lawmakers at the 300-seat parliament.

The impeachment motion by six opposition parties, with 192 lawmakers, need support of at least 200 parliamentarians to succeed.

The opposition-controlled parliament already approved impeachment motions against the chief state auditor and three senior prosecutors for their involvement in investigations concerning the relocation of the presidential office and the first lady Kim Keon-hee.

While removing an official requires simple majority of the lawmakers, any impeachment motion against the president needs two-thirds majority.