South Korean authorities made a second attempt on Wednesday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence in Seoul. The effort follows allegations that Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3 constituted an attempted rebellion.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with the police, is leading the investigation. After their initial attempt to detain Yoon on January 3 was blocked by the presidential security service, authorities vowed to take stronger measures.
Despite holding a court-issued warrant for Yoon’s detention, security forces at the presidential residence have resisted, citing their obligation to protect him. The compound has been fortified with barbed wire and barricades of buses, preventing access.
Tensions Rise at the Residence
Early Wednesday, anti-corruption agency vehicles and police officers dressed in black jackets approached the residence, creating a tense standoff. TV footage showed members of Yoon’s People Power Party, along with his legal team, confronting investigators at the gate.
Nearby, rival protests erupted between Yoon’s supporters and critics. While his backers vowed to shield him, opponents demanded his immediate imprisonment. Thousands of police officers in yellow jackets monitored the situation, establishing perimeters with buses to maintain order.
Calls for Negotiation
On Tuesday, Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk urged law enforcement to abandon their efforts to detain Yoon. He suggested questioning him at an alternative location or at his residence. Chung criticized the investigation as resembling tactics used against “South American drug cartels.”
However, Yoon’s legal team distanced itself from Chung’s remarks, stating they were not consulted. Lawyer Yoon Kab-keun confirmed there are no immediate plans for the president to cooperate with investigators.
Legal Challenges and Next Steps
If authorities succeed in detaining Yoon, they must seek court approval for a formal arrest within 48 hours; otherwise, he will be released. On January 3, the presidential security service thwarted an initial attempt to detain him, resulting in a six-hour standoff.
In preparation for a potential multiday operation, the National Police Agency has convened multiple meetings with field commanders in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Reports suggest that more than a thousand officers could be deployed. Authorities have warned that any interference from presidential bodyguards could lead to their arrest.
Background on Martial Law and Impeachment
On December 3, Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops to block access to the National Assembly. The measure was lifted within hours after lawmakers breached the blockade and voted to overturn it.
On December 14, the opposition-led National Assembly impeached Yoon, accusing him of rebellion and suspending his presidential powers. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to remove him from office permanently or reinstate him.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides bracing for the next steps in this unprecedented political standoff.