South Korean investigators left the presidential residence empty-handed on Friday after a failed attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The anti-corruption unit, known as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), faced resistance from the presidential security service, leading to a tense standoff that lasted over five hours.
The arrest warrant against President Yoon, issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday, marks the first time in the nation’s modern history that such a warrant has been issued against a sitting president. Yoon is suspected of being the ringleader of an insurrection after he declared martial law on December 3—a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly hours later.
An impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14, suspending his presidential powers and prompting the constitutional court to deliberate the case for up to 180 days.
Tense Confrontation
The CIO investigators, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the presidential residence around 7:21 a.m. local time. Despite passing through initial security cordons, they were ultimately blocked by the presidential security service inside the residence. The confrontation involved tussles between investigators and security agents, although no injuries were reported.
The CIO halted the execution of the arrest warrant at approximately 1:30 p.m., citing concerns for the safety of their investigators. They expressed deep regret over President Yoon’s refusal to comply with legal procedures and indicated that they would consider future measures after further review.
What’s Next?
The constitutional court announced it will hold hearings for Yoon’s impeachment trial on January 14 and 16. While Yoon’s legal representatives requested additional preparatory hearings, the court dismissed the request, signaling a move toward formal proceedings.
The CIO has also summoned the chief and vice chief of the presidential security service for questioning on charges of obstructing the execution of the arrest warrant. The investigative unit is urging Acting President Choi Sang-mok to order the security service to cooperate with the arrest efforts.
The failed arrest has intensified political uncertainty in South Korea, leaving citizens and officials alike questioning the nation’s immediate future.
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What happens next after S. Korean investigators fail to arrest Yoon?
cgtn.com
