Early on January 3, South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon is under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for insurrection after declaring martial law on December 3, which triggered a political crisis.
The Presidential Security Service (PSS) blocked investigators, citing the presence of military secrets, and deployed a human chain of 200 personnel, supported by soldiers. Approximately 2,700 police officers and 135 police buses were stationed to prevent clashes between pro- and anti-Yoon demonstrators. After an hours-long standoff with his security detail at his residence in Seoul, investigators halted their attempt to arrest Yoon.
South Korean police execute arrest warrant against former President Yoon.
20 Corruption Office police have entered Yoon’s compound to execute the warrant, but are reportedly being met with resistance from a military ‘water defence’ unit to block his arrest.#Korea #Seoul pic.twitter.com/6ylIAxovVF
— Loose Cannon News (@LooseCannonNews) January 3, 2025
While the Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon’s impeachment—a process that could take up to six months—the arrest warrant allows investigators to detain him for 48 hours for questioning. The warrant, issued on December 31 and valid until January 6, has been challenged by Yoon’s legal team, which has also filed an injunction to block its execution.
Yoon, who has remained in his residence since the court approved the warrant, would be the first sitting president detained in South Korean history if arrested. If convicted of insurrection, he faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, one of the few crimes not protected by presidential immunity.
The political turmoil coincides with an upcoming visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, during which he is set to discuss regional stability and US-South Korea alliance topics. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating PSS leadership for obstruction of justice.