Seoul: The National Assembly, under the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), has approved a new bill to initiate a special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law and related issues, as well as allegations involving his wife.

According to Yonhap News Agency, lawmakers cast 172 votes in favor and two against the bill during a plenary session. The decision came after the opposition's filibuster ended upon reaching its 24-hour limit. This newly passed bill aims to reopen investigations into alleged insurrection charges associated with Yoon's unsuccessful martial law attempt. It also seeks to address corruption allegations linked to former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the 2023 death of a Marine, revisiting 17 allegations that were not thoroughly examined by the previous three counsels.

The approval of this bill is expected to heighten tensions between political parties ahead of the local elections in June. The People Power Party (PPP) has criticized the DP's actions as politically driven, while the DP urges resolution of the issues stemming from Yoon's martial law. In response, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok initiated a hunger strike shortly after the plenary session commenced, insisting that the DP consider opposition-supported special probe bills concerning an alleged bribery scandal involving the Unification Church.