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South Korean Investigators Seek Arrest Warrant Extension for President Yoon Suk Yeol
Investigators Blocked in Arrest Attempt
South Korean investigators have requested an extension of a warrant to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached over his controversial martial law declaration. The arrest warrant, due to expire at midnight on Monday (1500 GMT), marks the first attempt to arrest a sitting president in the country’s history.
Investigators attempted to serve the warrant last Friday but were blocked by presidential security guards who formed a human chain.
Ongoing Legal and Political Turmoil
President Yoon faces impeachment proceedings following his six-hour martial law declaration on December 3, which plunged South Korea into political and constitutional uncertainty. Yoon is also under investigation for possible insurrection, intensifying the crisis.
Yoon’s impeachment on December 14 suspended him from presidential duties. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating on whether to permanently remove him or reinstate him.
Extension of Arrest Warrant Sought
On Monday, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading the criminal probe, announced its request for a warrant extension. Authorities have yet to clarify how long the extension might last.
The CIO also asked the police to execute the arrest warrant. However, a legal dispute emerged over the transfer of authority, with police raising questions about the CIO’s jurisdiction. Yoon’s legal team argued that the CIO lacks the legal authority to investigate insurrection cases, calling the warrant and probe “illegal.”
U.S. Reaction to the Crisis
The political turmoil has drawn international attention. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visiting South Korea, acknowledged concerns over Yoon’s actions but praised the country’s democratic institutions for addressing the situation peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell criticized Yoon’s martial law proclamation as “badly misjudged,” highlighting the rarity of such actions in a strong democracy.
Public Divided Over Yoon’s Future
Yoon’s impeachment has sparked dueling public rallies. His supporters, echoing slogans such as “Stop the Steal,” have staged protests, while opponents demand his punishment.
Prominent Yoon supporter and Christian pastor Jun Kwang-hoon has framed the conflict as an “international battle for freedom” and vowed to continue demonstrations outside Yoon’s residence.
As the legal and political battles unfold, South Korea faces a critical moment in balancing its democratic institutions with the unprecedented challenges presented by the crisis.