South Korean anti-corruption investigators have obtained a new court-issued arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose failed martial law declaration has thrown the nation into its worst political crisis in decades.
Since his December 3 martial law decree, Yoon has refused questioning three times and remains barricaded in his residence, guarded by hundreds of security personnel preventing his detention.
“The arrest warrant re-requested for the suspect Yoon was issued today in the afternoon,” the Joint Investigation Headquarters announced. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), leading the probe, has not disclosed the duration of the new warrant after the initial seven-day warrant expired. The Seoul Western District Court declined to confirm its details when contacted by AFP.
If apprehended, Yoon would be the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest. However, investigators would have only 48 hours to either seek an extension or release him. Officials have requested additional time and resources after their first attempt to detain Yoon at his residence last Friday was thwarted by security forces.
Yoon is charged with insurrection, a crime that could result in imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty if convicted. His legal team has called the initial warrant “unlawful” and vowed further legal challenges, arguing the CIO lacks jurisdiction over insurrection cases.
The standoff has plunged South Korea into unprecedented political turmoil. Whether Yoon is detained or evades arrest, the outcome will be historic. CIO Chief Oh Dong-woon expressed regret for the failed arrest attempt, stating, “I sincerely apologize to the public for the failure to execute the arrest warrant due to the security measures taken by the Presidential Security Service.” Yoon’s guards reportedly refused to stand down during a six-hour standoff on Friday.
The CIO, established less than four years ago with fewer than 100 staff, has yet to prosecute any cases. “They have no prior experience with arrests, let alone something as significant as arresting a sitting president,” said Yun Bok-Nam, president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society.
Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Party has filed a legal complaint against acting President Choi Sang-mok for “dereliction of duty” after he failed to intervene as requested. The Constitutional Court has scheduled Yoon’s impeachment trial to begin on January 14, which will proceed in his absence if he does not attend. While local media reported he might appear on the opening day, Yoon’s lawyer told AFP that his attendance remains “undecided.”
The court has up to 180 days to determine whether Yoon will be removed or reinstated. Opposition lawmaker Youn Kun-young described Yoon’s residence as “turning into a fortress,” claiming guards are installing barbed wire and vehicle barricades. Despite freezing temperatures, many of Yoon’s supporters have camped outside his residence.
Investigators have yet to reach Yoon but have targeted senior military officials allegedly involved in the martial law plan.
