Seoul: In an unprecedented move, South Korean anti-corruption investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence on Friday. If executed, the arrest would mark the first time a sitting president has been detained in the country’s history.
The charges stem from Yoon’s failed December 3 martial law declaration, a controversial move that briefly plunged the nation into political turmoil reminiscent of its military rule era. If convicted, Yoon faces severe penalties, including imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), leading the probe into Yoon’s actions, deployed senior prosecutor Lee Dae-hwan and a team of officials to the presidential residence. Upon entering, the investigators were initially blocked by a military unit stationed inside the compound, according to Yonhap News Agency. The team later advanced to confront members of the Presidential Security Service, which continues to protect Yoon despite his impeachment.
Security forces have previously obstructed similar efforts to execute search and arrest warrants at the residence, raising questions about compliance with the law.
Yoon’s legal team has denounced the arrest warrant as “unlawful and invalid,” filing objections with the Seoul court that issued it. They have also sought an injunction from the constitutional court to halt the process.
“The execution of an illegal warrant cannot be justified,” said Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun.
The arrest attempt has escalated tensions outside the presidential residence, where 2,700 police officers and 135 buses have been deployed to prevent clashes between pro-Yoon supporters and opposition demonstrators.
Yoon’s supporters, including far-right activists and evangelical preachers, staged overnight protests near the residence. Chanting slogans and holding prayer vigils, they accused opposition leaders of attempting to transform South Korea into a socialist state.
“President Yoon is fighting for democracy against forces that would betray our nation,” said one supporter at the scene.
If arrested, Yoon will be taken to the CIO office in Gwacheon, where he could be detained for up to 48 hours under the current warrant. Investigators may seek an extension if additional questioning is required.
CIO head Oh Dong-woon warned that any attempt to obstruct the arrest could lead to prosecution. Despite this, Yoon’s legal team remains defiant, pledging to continue their legal battle.
This development adds to South Korea’s history of political turbulence, where former presidents have faced legal consequences after leaving office, but never while still serving as head of state.
