South Korean authorities suspended their attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol after an hours-long standoff with his security detail. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) halted its efforts for Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest after the Presidential Security Service (PSS) blocked access.
Investigators arrived at Yoon’s compound on Friday morning, seeking to arrest him for alleged insurrection and abuse of power. The charges stem from his brief declaration of martial law on December 3rd, which ignited South Korea’s most profound political crisis in decades.
According to the Yonhap News Agency, PSS Chief Park Jong-joon referred to military secrecy restrictions as he denied CIO officials entry. Around 200 security personnel formed a human chain outnumbering the CIO and Police, effectively preventing the arrest attempt.
The Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest warrant is valid until January 6th, granting authorities limited time to hold Yoon for questioning if they succeed. Yoon Suk-yeol defended his martial law declaration, calling it essential to address pro-North Korean forces and investigate election fraud allegations.
Thousands of his supporters have rallied outside his Seoul residence, urging an end to the investigation and the reversal of his impeachment. “I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you,” Yoon told his supporters during his New Year’s speech.
Opposition lawmakers demanded Acting President Choi Sang-mok order the security service to cooperate. Meanwhile, investigators launched a probe into PSS leaders, charging them with obstruction of justice for failing to execute the arrest warrant.
If found guilty of insurrection, Yoon faces potential life imprisonment or the death penalty. South Korea’s Constitutional Court will rule within six months on whether to uphold his impeachment and remove him from office.
