Police raid South Korea president’s office

South Korean police raided President Yoon Sook Yeol’s office as the investigation into his declaration of martial law gathers pace.

“The Special Investigation Team has conducted a raid on the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service,” the unit stated in a message sent to AFP on Wednesday (December 11).

Yoon is already under a travel ban as part of an “insurrection” probe into his inner circle after his short-lived suspension of civilian rule on December 3.

Former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun was formally arrested late Tuesday on charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights”.

On Wednesday, Yonhap reported that Kim had attempted to kill himself shortly before the arrest.

A spokesperson for the Seoul Central District Court said earlier in the day that Kim had been arrested amid concerns that evidence might be destroyed.

Kim said through his lawyers that “all responsibility for this situation lies solely with me” and that subordinates were “merely following my orders and fulfilling their assigned duties”.

Kim, who was detained Sunday, has been slapped with a travel ban along with the former interior minister and the general in charge of the martial law operation.