South Korean Impeachment Crisis Deepens as Investigators Fail to Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol

South Korean Investigators Unable to Arrest Impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol

On Friday, January 3, 2025, South Korean investigators were unable to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The attempt was abandoned after an hours-long standoff with the presidential security service.

At around 8 am, investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) arrived at the presidential residence to enforce the arrest warrant. However, they were blocked by the presidential security service and a military unit.

The CIO stated that they were forced to suspend the execution of the warrant due to concerns about the safety of their personnel. They expressed regret over Yoon's non-compliance with legal procedures and stated that future measures would be decided after review.

Yoon is currently under investigation for insurrection related to his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024. The CIO leads a joint investigation team that includes the police and the Defense Ministry.

The arrest warrant was granted by a Seoul court on December 31, 2024, on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Yoon's lawyer claims the warrant is illegal and invalid, and legal action will be taken.

The situation has sparked controversy, with the main opposition Democratic Party accusing Yoon of a "second attempt of insurrection" and calling for the arrest of those who obstructed the warrant's execution. Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party argues that the CIO lacks the authority to investigate Yoon for insurrection.

With the warrant set to expire on Monday, observers believe the CIO may attempt another arrest before the deadline. However, concerns remain about potential protests from Yoon's supporters.

If arrested, Yoon would be the first South Korean president to be detained while in office. The CIO would then have 48 hours to seek another warrant for his formal detention or release him.

The Constitutional Court will hold hearings for Yoon's impeachment trial on January 14 and 16, 2025. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also scheduled to visit South Korea for talks next week amidst the ongoing political turmoil.