South Korean Special Forces Commander Refused Orders from President Amid Martial Law Crisis

South Korea’s political turmoil escalated after Kwak Jong-geun, Commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, testified that he refused orders from President Yoon Suk Yeol to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly during the December 3 martial law declaration. The revelation has intensified scrutiny of Yoon’s actions and led to growing calls for impeachment, as well as a criminal investigation into charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Testifying before a parliamentary committee, Kwak revealed that President Yoon called him multiple times on the night of December 3, demanding he “break down the doors” of the National Assembly and “drag out” lawmakers. At the time, members of parliament were gathered to vote on rescinding the martial law declaration, which Yoon had imposed earlier that day.

Kwak further testified that orders to prepare for the operation were issued as early as December 1. These included securing six strategic locations: the Democratic Party headquarters, election commission offices, and the National Assembly building. The South Korean Counterintelligence Investigation Unit Chief later confirmed that a list of 14 individuals, predominantly opposition politicians, had been compiled as targets for potential arrest.

WATCH: Scuffles at South Korea’s parliament as special forces take control under martial law pic.twitter.com/4gtnY7F1XS

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The fallout from these events has caused fractures within Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP). On December 10, the National Assembly passed a bill to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the martial law crisis, gaining significant bipartisan support.

Notably, 23 PPP lawmakers voted in favor of the measure, signaling growing dissent within Yoon’s party. At the same time, opposition lawmakers, led by the Democratic Party, have intensified calls for Yoon’s impeachment or immediate resignation, arguing that the president must be held legally accountable for his actions.

Yoon’s office has remained largely silent on the matter, offering only assurances that state affairs, including diplomatic functions, continue “within the framework of the Constitution.” However, the president’s authority is now under significant challenge.

With Yoon banned from leaving the country, the PPP leadership has begun internal discussions on scenarios for an orderly resignation. A proposed timeline would see Yoon stepping down as early as February 2025, followed by a snap election within 60 days, as required by South Korea’s constitution.

The scandal has already implicated other high-ranking officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned and was subsequently arrested. Prosecutors allege that Kim played a central role in ordering military forces to secure the National Assembly. Further investigations are underway, with police summoning cabinet ministers and senior military officials who attended late-night meetings leading up to the martial law declaration.