South Korea's impeached prime minister told parliament on Thursday that "everyone" in a hastily-arranged meeting of ministers expressed concerns about President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law plan before he announced it on December 3.

The January 17 court riot was sparked by the same rage as laid bare in 2017, with one key difference: this time, it was young men that took the reins. More than half of those arrested for assault and vandalism were men in their 20s and 30s.

A top South Korean military commander said on Tuesday he trusted President Yoon Suk Yeol to be making a legitimate decision when he declared martial law, but declined to say if the impeached leader gave orders to "drag" lawmakers out of parliament.

Yoon Seok-yeol’s martial law attempt and its far-right supporters highlight the enduring power of authoritarian forces in South Korean politics. While public resistance led to his impeachment, the far-right’s deep institutional ties and growing influence continue to challenge the country’s democratic future.

SEOUL: The commander of a crack South Korean special forces unit told a court on Thursday (Feb 6) he had been asked by a superior officer how to cut electricity to parliament during last year's failed

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the sixth impeachment hearing on 6 February, 2025, amid ongoing accusations of ordering military actions against lawmakers during his controversial martial law declaration.

South Korea's impeached prime minister told parliament on Thursday that "everyone" in a hastily arranged meeting of ministers expressed concerns about President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law plan before he announced it on Dec. 3.