Former South Korean Prime Minister banned from leaving country

Former Prime Minister Han Duk-Soo and his deputy, Choi Sang-Mok, have been barred from exiting South Korea as suspects in the case of former President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law.

The South Korean police’s special investigations unit announced this news on Tuesday, though reports indicate that the travel ban for Han and Choi was imposed earlier this month.

On Monday, the special investigations unit summoned Han, Choi, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-Min for approximately 10 hours of questioning regarding their alleged involvement in Yoon’s declaration of martial law. Lee had been banned from leaving the country in early December.

On December 3, 2024, then-President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law. Following this action, the parliament voted to impeach the president, leading to his eventual removal from office.

According to reports, during Monday’s questioning session, the former prime minister, his deputy, and the former interior minister were interrogated about whether they made false statements during the December 3 cabinet meeting, chaired by the president, regarding the process of obtaining documents related to the martial law declaration.

Former Prime Minister Han has denied the allegations, stating in February that he only realized he had the martial law declaration document in the back pocket of his suit after the parliament revoked the order.