A new book by Han Dong-hoon, former leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP), claims that ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol often discussed declaring martial law over drinks with colleagues. Han's memoir, The People First, reveals that Yoon would frequently rant about suspending civilian rule during private gatherings, though his colleagues initially dismissed these remarks as mere ranting. However, the book details how Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3rd, 2024, became a reality, plunging the country into political chaos.
The martial law declaration, which involved suspending civilian governance and deploying soldiers to parliament, lasted only six hours, as the opposition-led parliament swiftly voted it down. The event led to Yoon's impeachment. Han recalls that many lawmakers feared for their lives that night, with some, like Han himself, preparing for arrest. A former senior intelligence official claims to possess a memo listing those Yoon ordered to be arrested, including Han.
Han's book also describes a tense exchange with a senior presidential official warning of "the worst" shortly before the martial law declaration. Furthermore, Han notes that a US official expressed serious concerns about the martial law's impact on South Korea's security and foreign relations, particularly with the United States and North Korea.
Currently imprisoned and awaiting trial for charges of insurrection, Yoon faces the possibility of a life sentence or even the death penalty. His impeachment hearings at Seoul's Constitutional Court concluded on Tuesday, with a verdict expected by mid-March.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
