Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Detention Amid Protests

In the heart of Seoul, hundreds of supporters and detractors of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered near his residence to voice their opinions amid freezing conditions. The anti-Yoon protesters rallied overnight, urging for his removal and arrest as law enforcement prepared to make another attempt to detain him following his controversial martial law decree.

On Friday, investigators from the anti-corruption agency aimed to carry out a detainment warrant for Yoon but were met with resistance from his security team, leading to a standoff that lasted over five hours. The detention warrant remains valid until Monday, but by Sunday afternoon, it was unclear if authorities would renew their efforts, as the presidential security service bolstered measures around the residence.

The spark for these events was a court-issued warrant for Yoon's detainment after he repeatedly defied investigators, refusing to participate in questioning while obstructing searches of his office. Tensions escalated after Yoon proclaimed martial law in early December, a move rejected by the National Assembly shortly after it was declared. As a result, Yoon faced impeachment on accusations of rebellion while separate investigations commenced by anti-corruption bodies.

The challenges in detaining Yoon stem from his continued presence in the presidential residence, which complicates the enforcement of legal warrants. If the agency succeeds in detaining him, it will require court approval for a formal arrest, but if not, Yoon would be released after 48 hours. The ongoing standoff was further complicated by the presidential security service’s defiance in cooperating with police, raising questions over potential obstruction of legal duties.

While social division persists, with pro-Yoon supporters also gathering to denounce the impeachment, the situation remains tense. Yoon's legal team contends that the search warrants cannot be enforced at his residence due to laws protecting sensitive military locations without proper consent. Observers point out that while the president enjoys certain immunities while in office, allegations of serious offenses such as rebellion may not afford him the same protections.

As investigators and police attempted to breach the barriers set by the presidential security forces, they encountered significant resistance, failing to ascertain Yoon’s presence in the building. The Defense Ministry has expressed concerns about military personnel being used to obstruct the warrant's execution, deeming it inappropriate and urging non-confrontational strategies with the police.

Yoon’s presidential authority has been suspended since his impeachment, with the ultimate decision now resting with the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing whether to confirm his removal from office or reinstate him. The political turmoil surrounding Yoon's presidency underscores the complexities and challenges facing South Korea's governance amid rising public dissent.