In a dramatic and tense situation in Seoul, South Korean investigators made a fresh attempt on Wednesday to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to declare martial law, which led to a political crisis in the country. The operation, however, was met with fierce resistance, resulting in clashes between investigators and Yoon’s guards, who blocked their entry into the residence.
Yoon, a former star prosecutor, has been embroiled in a political crisis since December 3, when he attempted to storm the national parliament with soldiers to prevent lawmakers from voting against his bid to seize more power. The failed power grab has since plunged South Korea into its most severe political turmoil in decades. As a result of his actions, Yoon was impeached, and lawmakers suspended him from office. This move to arrest him would mark a historic moment, as Yoon would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok confirmed that the execution of the court-ordered presidential arrest warrant had begun. “This situation is a crucial moment for maintaining order and the rule of law in South Korea,” he stated. The dramatic events unfolded early in the morning when a joint team of investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police officers arrived at the residence of Yoon. They attempted to enter the compound but were blocked by unidentified personnel stationed at the entrance gate. This led to a physical confrontation, as investigators tried to force their way into the residence.
The standoff became increasingly violent, with punches thrown as both sides clashed at the residence’s entrance. At least one person was injured and had to be taken away by emergency services. Yoon’s lawyers were seen protesting in front of the residence, arguing against the execution of the arrest warrant. Despite their efforts, a white police van tried to enter the compound but was blocked once again.
In response to the escalating tension, Acting President Choi issued a stern warning, stating that anyone involved in causing unrest during the operation would be held accountable. He emphasized, “If there are serious violations leading to unfortunate incidents, I will hold them strictly accountable as the acting president.”
This fresh attempt to arrest Yoon follows an earlier failed effort on January 3, when his Presidential Security Service (PSS) successfully blocked investigators for hours in another tense standoff. This led to a second attempt by investigators to access the residence using a mountain hiking trail located near the official residence.
Outside Yoon’s residence, the situation remained chaotic as thousands of his loyal supporters gathered to protest the arrest attempt. Many of his supporters were seen waving glow sticks and South Korean and American flags, chanting “illegal warrant!” as they rallied against the government’s actions. Police and CIO officers were seen forcibly removing these protesters as approximately 30 lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party tried to block the investigators’ progress. Authorities have warned that they will detain anyone obstructing the arrest of the impeached president.
In the midst of these tensions, police announced plans to arrest the acting head of Yoon’s presidential guards for obstructing the execution of the warrant. The investigators refrained from carrying firearms due to the volatile nature of the situation but opted to wear bulletproof vests as a precaution.
As the drama unfolded, it became clear that Yoon’s residence had been transformed into a fortress, with his guards installing barbed wire and barricades to thwart any efforts to arrest him. Despite the heightened security measures, police remain determined to carry out the arrest. Should Yoon be taken into custody, he could be detained for up to 48 hours under the existing warrant. However, if the authorities wish to extend his detention, they will need to apply for an additional arrest warrant.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team has condemned the arrest warrant, calling it illegal, and on Tuesday, Yoon’s chief of staff made an urgent appeal for the arrest efforts to cease. Yoon, who has been refusing to attend the impeachment trial, remains inside his residence. The impeachment trial began earlier this week with a brief hearing, but it was adjourned due to his absence. His legal team claims that the failure to attend was due to concerns for his safety. The impeachment proceedings will continue without Yoon, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday.
This ongoing political crisis has shaken South Korea’s political landscape, and it remains to be seen whether the authorities will succeed in executing the arrest warrant, or if the situation will once again escalate into further clashes. The future of Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency and his legal battles hang in the balance as the country grapples with one of its most serious political crises in years.
