South Korean investigators attempted to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence. The Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau had a court-issued warrant linked to Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law in early December. However, the arrest was obstructed by a military unit present on-site, effectively blocking the investigators’ efforts.
Legal Controversy and Political Turmoil
Yoon’s lawyer called the warrant execution “illegal and invalid,” pledging legal action to prevent enforcement. This marks the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president. Yoon was suspended from office on December 14, with the Constitutional Court deliberating whether to approve his impeachment within 180 days.
Yoon faces accusations of political rebellion linked to his martial law declaration, a crime punishable by death under South Korean law. The former president had also refused to cooperate with investigations, further complicating the legal proceedings.
Following Yoon’s suspension, interim presidential duties fell to Finance Minister Choi Sang Mok after acting president Han Duck-soo was removed by the National Assembly. This leadership reshuffle underscores the ongoing political instability in the country.