Martial law in South Korea - President authorized soldiers to shoot, media reveal

A 10-page summary of the indictment of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, which was provided to the media, states that Yoon promised to declare martial law three times if necessary.

The newspaper also writes that ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol authorized the military to shoot if necessary to enter parliament during his failed attempt to impose martial law.

As lawmakers rushed to the parliament on December 3 to vote against martial law, armed troops stormed the building. They climbed the fences and broke windows, and some of them landed in a helicopter.

According to the prosecutor's indictment, Yoon told the chief of the capital's defense staff, Lee Jin-woo, that the military could shoot if necessary to enter the National Assembly.

“Have you still not got in? What are you doing? Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting,” Yoon said to Lee, according to the report.

The newspaper writes that the now-removed president is currently under investigation. His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, rejected the prosecutor's report, saying it was “a one-sided account that neither corresponds to objective circumstances nor common sense.”

Suspension of the South Korean president

On December 3, Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in the country. It provoked an angry reaction from the opposition and society.

Martial law was in effect for about 6 hours and was accompanied by rallies in Seoul. Afterward, the head of state canceled the decision and apologized.

However, South Korea's opposition issued a tough ultimatum to the president to resign. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials launched an investigation against the president.

As part of the investigation, the police searched Yoon's office.

Meanwhile, in connection with the announcement of Yoon's impeachment, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed presidential powers.