South Korean Authorities Attempt New Search of Presidential Office in Martial Law Probe

South Korean investigators made another attempt on Tuesday to search the presidential office as part of an ongoing probe into the legality of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief move to impose martial law, according to Yonhap News Agency.

President Yoon was impeached on Saturday following his controversial martial law declaration, which was rescinded within hours after facing strong opposition from parliament. He has since been suspended from his official duties.

A joint investigative team, which includes police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), sought access to computer servers belonging to the presidential office’s security service. The team aims to review records, including data from phones, one of which was reportedly used by the police commissioner, Yonhap reported.

This marks the second attempt by authorities to raid the presidential office. A prior effort on December 11 ended without success, although the office voluntarily submitted some data at the time. Neither the police nor the presidential office offered immediate comments, while the CIO also declined to respond.

President Yoon’s Legal Strategy and Low Profile

Since his impeachment by parliament, President Yoon has remained largely out of the public eye. Officials, including those from the Constitutional Court, have been unable to contact or summon him. Yoon is reportedly assembling a legal team to contest accusations of insurrection and to defend himself in the Constitutional Court proceedings, which will determine whether he is removed from office or reinstated.

Acting President Focuses on Economic Stability

Meanwhile, Acting President Han Duck-soo emphasized the need for swift implementation of the 2025 government budget to address economic concerns. Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Han urged that funds be deployed promptly at the start of the year to stimulate the economy.

To support this, the South Korean government has decided to allocate 75% of the 2025 budget for use during the first half of the year, the finance ministry announced.

Han has also been working to maintain stability, reassuring international allies and calming financial markets since assuming Yoon’s responsibilities.

Economic Challenges Ahead

South Korea faces significant economic challenges, including slowing export growth and uncertainty in global trade. In November, export growth in the trade-dependent economy weakened for the fourth consecutive month, marking its slowest pace in 14 months.

Adding to concerns is U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to raise tariffs, which could further impact South Korea’s exports. As Asia’s fourth-largest economy grapples with these uncertainties, the government’s swift budget implementation aims to mitigate potential economic fallout.