The South Korean Justice Ministry has banned President Yoon Suk Yeol from leaving the country, the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported.

"The travel ban against President Yoon Suk Yeol has been in effect since about 3:30 p.m. on December 9," the newspaper quoted an official in charge of migration issues as saying.

This is the first time such a ban has been imposed on a sitting president. Earlier, the head of South Korea's anti-corruption watchdog for high-ranking officials said he had ordered a travel ban for Yoon Suk Yeol. The South Korean president's actions are being investigated in connection with suspected rebellion.