SEOUL. South Korean authorities made an unprecedented move on Friday as they attempted to execute an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, following allegations of insurrection linked to his controversial December 3 martial law attempt. The attempt, which shocked South Korea—a major democracy and Asia’s fourth-largest economy—has led to political turmoil and mass protests.
The arrest, if carried out, would mark the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been taken into custody. The warrant, approved earlier this week, gives investigators until January 6 to arrest Yoon and hold him for up to 48 hours, during which they must decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.
Authorities from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), supported by police and prosecutors, arrived at Yoon’s residence in Seoul at around 7 a.m. local time. According to witnesses, the compound’s gates were blocked by a bus, preventing immediate entry. However, some CIO officials later entered on foot, only to encounter further obstacles, including another bus and an armored vehicle, positioned deeper within the driveway.
The Presidential Security Service, tasked with protecting Yoon, has reportedly hindered investigators’ access to his office and official residence in recent weeks. It remains unclear if they will allow the arrest to proceed.
Protests erupted outside Yoon’s residence in the early hours of Friday, with demonstrators vowing to protect the president. “We have to block them with our lives,” one protester was overheard saying. Many carried banners and chanted, “President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people,” while some called for the arrest of the CIO’s chief.
One protester, 74-year-old Pyeong In-su, stood holding a flag with the words “Let’s go together” in both English and Korean, expressing hope that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump would intervene. “I hope after Trump’s inauguration, he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right track,” Pyeong said.
Yoon’s legal team has condemned the arrest warrant as unlawful. “Execution of an invalid arrest warrant against Yoon is unlawful, and we will take legal action,” Yoon’s lawyer said in a statement, without providing further details.
The martial law attempt by Yoon on December 3 has raised serious questions about his leadership and adherence to democratic principles. The arrest warrant stems from allegations of insurrection, with investigators seeking to determine Yoon’s role in the planned military measures.
If arrested, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, according to Yonhap News Agency. The developing situation remains highly charged, with protesters, legal battles, and international attention adding to the complexity of the case.
The nation now waits to see whether authorities will succeed in arresting Yoon and how the ongoing political crisis will shape the future of South Korea’s democracy.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
