Investigators in South Korea have arrived at President Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence to execute an arrest warrant issued earlier this week. They entered the compound after bypassing crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside.
It remains unclear whether the President’s security team will attempt to block the arrest. Earlier, a warrant was issued against Yoon, who was impeached in early December following his sudden declaration of martial law.
According to a report by Reuters on Friday, January 3, South Korean authorities entered Yoon’s compound to enforce an unprecedented arrest warrant against the impeached president. Though they avoided the protesters outside, the investigators were met with the Presidential Security Service (PSS) inside.
It is still uncertain whether the PSS, responsible for the president’s safety, will resist the arrest. Previously, they had blocked investigators from entering Yoon’s office and official residence, even with search warrants.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, a South Korean court approved an arrest warrant against Yoon Suk Yeol. Following his decision to impose martial law on December 3, he was impeached and removed from office in less than two weeks.
This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting or recently impeached president.
Reuters noted that the arrest operation is being led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is tasked with investigating corruption among senior officials. The joint team also includes police officers and prosecutors. They arrived at Yoon’s residence shortly after 7 a.m. local time on Friday.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency had earlier reported, citing CIO sources, that the arrest warrant would remain valid until January 6, and Yoon would likely be detained at the Seoul Detention Center if arrested.
On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly declared martial law, citing the threat of North Korea’s communist forces. He claimed the move was necessary to protect the Republic of Korea, eradicate pro-North Korean anti-state forces, and uphold liberal constitutional values.