South Korean authorities initiated a high-stakes operation on Friday to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, executing a detention warrant linked to his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The warrant, issued by a Seoul court earlier this week, must be carried out by Monday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), responsible for the case, confirmed the move in a press release, stating, “We have begun executing a detention warrant for President Yoon.” The effort has sparked significant public interest, with large crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathering outside his residence to resist the operation. The standoff has heightened concerns about potential clashes, particularly with the Presidential Security Service. Experts warn that acting over the weekend could intensify confrontations, while delaying until Monday risks the warrant’s expiration.
The detention warrant follows Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly on December 3, triggered by his failed bid to impose martial law. In a secret ballot held on December 14, lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favor of impeachment, with 204 votes supporting the motion, 85 opposing, three abstentions, and eight invalid votes. The decision surpassed the two-thirds majority required in the 300-member assembly. Yoon’s suspension from office took effect immediately after the vote, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea’s unfolding political crisis.
In the legal proceedings leading up to the arrest warrant, Yoon challenged the CIO’s jurisdiction over cases involving insurrection and labeled the warrant as unlawful. He also claimed that insufficient security measures had hindered his ability to attend questioning sessions. However, the court dismissed these objections, clearing the path for the warrant’s execution.
As tensions rise around Yoon’s residence, the situation underscores the deep divisions and volatility surrounding his presidency. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining how South Korea navigates this unprecedented political and legal turmoil.