A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for President Jun Suk Jeol, marking an unprecedented moment in the country’s political history. The warrant follows his impeachment by parliament and suspension from duties after allegations of constitutional violations.
Court Decision and Legal Context
The Seoul District Court approved the investigation team’s request to issue the warrant, citing concerns over the president’s declaration of martial law in early December. The court also authorized a search of Jun Suk Jeol’s residence. Neither the court nor investigators disclosed further details, and the president’s attorney condemned the warrant as “illegal.”
Authorities are investigating whether the brief martial law enacted by Jun Suk Jeol on December 3 constituted an act of rebellion. The order was revoked after just a few hours under intense pressure from parliament and mass protests. Legal experts note that presidential immunity does not extend to such charges.
The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Jun Suk Jeol’s legal status by mid-June. Meanwhile, law enforcement has yet to determine the timeline for executing the arrest warrant. This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president faces such legal action.