Seoul, South Korea — In an unprecedented move, South Korean authorities on Friday attempted to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The dramatic events unfolded as investigators faced off against security forces inside Yoon’s residence, navigating through crowds of protesters and heavy security barricades.
Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection following his surprise declaration of martial law on December 3, a move that stunned the nation and shook Asia’s fourth-largest economy. If arrested, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be detained while in office.
Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) arrived at the gates of Yoon’s compound early Friday morning. Initial entry was hindered by buses blocking the driveway and a contingent of military personnel. After tense negotiations, investigators were permitted to proceed but were subsequently blocked by the presidential security service inside the residence.
Yoon’s legal team condemned the arrest attempt, labeling it unlawful. “The execution of a warrant that is illegal and invalid is indeed not lawful,” stated Yoon’s attorney, Yoon Kap-keun. The presidential security service has denied investigators access to search the residence, escalating the standoff.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered near the compound, with Yoon’s supporters and opponents clashing amid a heavy police presence of over 2,700 officers. Authorities deployed 135 police buses to the area in an effort to prevent further confrontations.
The crisis traces back to Yoon’s late-night announcement of martial law aimed at overcoming political deadlock and targeting what he called “anti-state forces.” His actions prompted swift backlash; within hours, 190 lawmakers voted against the decree, leading Yoon to rescind the order just six hours later.
Despite retracting the martial law declaration, Yoon defended his decision, accusing political opponents of sympathizing with North Korea and alleging election tampering without providing evidence. His defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who played a key role in the martial law announcement, has been detained and charged with insurrection and abuse of power.
Yoon’s impeachment, which passed on December 14, has left him isolated and suspended from power. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating his fate, with a second hearing scheduled for later on Friday to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove him from office.
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South Korean investigators moving to detain impeached President Yoon
cgtn.com
