Investigators in South Korea have failed to arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol after a tense six-hour standoff. Despite the arrest warrant issued earlier this week, the Presidential Guards and military forces obstructed investigators’ attempts to apprehend the impeached president on Friday, January 3, according to Reuters.
Investigators arrived at the presidential residence early Friday morning to execute the arrest warrant against Yoon. This follows Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law in early December, which led to his impeachment and dismissal from office within two weeks.
The arrest attempt created a dramatic scene as military personnel and the Presidential Security Service (PSS) actively blocked the efforts. The investigators were forced to withdraw after hours of a deadlock.
The warrant, approved by a South Korean court on Tuesday, marks the first-ever arrest warrant issued against a sitting president in the country.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), which led the operation, stated that the standoff made it “practically impossible” to enforce the warrant. Hundreds of Yoon’s supporters also gathered outside the presidential residence, adding to the tension and celebrating after the investigators retreated.
Currently, South Korea’s constitution requires an acting president to assume executive duties in case of impeachment. While Yoon remains in office during the legal proceedings, he has no executive powers or responsibilities.
The warrant is valid until January 6, and if executed, Yoon is expected to be detained at the Seoul Detention Center. His fate now depends on a decision by the Constitutional Court.