Arrest Attempt of Impeached President Yoon Sparks Clashes in South Korea

South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol at his residence in Seoul on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Footage from the scene showed police officers guarding the presidential compound.

According to reports, investigators entered the residence around 7:30 am and encountered resistance from the Presidential Security Service, which had set up a barricade using vehicles. A group of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party and Yoon's lawyers also attempted to block their entry.

Some investigators reportedly tried to access the compound through a nearby hiking trail. Large crowds gathered outside the residence, with estimates suggesting around 6,500 supporters of the impeached president were present. Police deployed approximately 3,000 personnel to secure the area, leading to physical clashes between investigators and Yoon's supporters.

This attempt to arrest Yoon followed a previous failed attempt earlier in the month, which resulted in an hours-long standoff with his security staff. Yoon has been residing at the presidential residence since his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024.

Yoon's lawyer stated that they were negotiating with investigators regarding his voluntary appearance. However, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) maintained that they were coordinating the execution of the warrant for his arrest and not considering his voluntary appearance.