SEOUL: On Friday, South Korea’s presidential guards and military personnel thwarted efforts by authorities to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol during a tense six-hour standoff at his residence in Seoul. Yoon, who is under investigation for insurrection related to his controversial martial law decree on December 3, was at the center of the standoff that saw over 200 guards and troops clash with investigators.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), leading the probe, stated that it was “virtually impossible” to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing confrontation. The CIO had been attempting to arrest Yoon following his refusal to attend multiple summons.
The confrontation began when CIO and police officials arrived at the presidential compound early in the morning. They were met by barricades of Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel and soldiers assigned to protect Yoon, who numbered more than 200. Despite altercations and reports of PSS agents carrying firearms, no weapons were discharged. Yoon himself remained out of sight throughout the ordeal.
Supporters of Yoon gathered near his residence in the pre-dawn hours, with many adopting slogans similar to those used by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s supporters. The protestors sought to block the arrest, further complicating the situation.
At approximately 1:30 pm, the CIO called off the arrest attempt, citing safety concerns for their personnel. The CIO expressed regret over Yoon’s refusal to cooperate, but vowed to consider their next steps. Meanwhile, the police, part of the joint investigation team, have summoned the PSS chief and deputy for questioning on charges of obstructing official duties.
Yoon’s arrest warrant, issued on Tuesday, is valid until January 6. The warrant follows his continued refusal to attend hearings, prompting further legal action against him. His defense team later issued a statement arguing that the CIO lacked authority to investigate insurrection and accusing them of attempting to execute an illegal warrant.
The impeachment process against Yoon is still ongoing, with the Constitutional Court scheduled to hold its first oral hearings on January 14. The outcome of the trial will determine whether he will be reinstated or permanently removed from office.
The political crisis stems from Yoon’s sudden martial law declaration on December 3, which was swiftly rescinded after it was challenged by lawmakers. Despite this, two South Korean military officials involved in the decree have been indicted on insurrection charges.
North Korea has also weighed in on the unfolding political situation, criticizing Yoon’s stance on Pyongyang and calling him a “primary foe” in its latest state media reports.
