In a tense standoff that has gripped South Korea, investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence on Friday over a failed martial law bid. This dramatic move could mark the first time a sitting South Korean president is taken into custody.
Amidst heavy security, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) initiated the arrest, entering the president’s residence despite significant barricades. However, they faced resistance from a military unit and security service members within the compound. The situation remains volatile, with Yoon’s legal team denouncing the warrant as unlawful and vowing further legal action.
The embattled president, suspended by lawmakers, declared martial law on December 3, a decision that stunned the nation and invoked memories of past military regimes. Now, Yoon faces severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.
Security forces have surrounded the area, with thousands of police deployed to prevent clashes between Yoon’s supporters and opponents. Despite this, a dedicated group of Yoon’s backers, including far-right activists and evangelical preachers, have maintained a vigil outside, chanting and praying in solidarity.
The CIO aims to detain Yoon for questioning in Gwacheon, near Seoul, under a warrant that allows custody for 48 hours. However, his legal team has filed objections, seeking to invalidate the arrest order.
As tensions escalate, CIO chief Oh Dong-woon cautioned that anyone obstructing Yoon’s arrest could face prosecution themselves. This unfolding drama draws parallels to past failed arrest attempts on lawmakers, highlighting the challenges in executing such high-profile warrants.
The nation watches closely as this unprecedented legal and political battle unfolds, with implications that could reshape South Korea’s democratic landscape.
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