In an unprecedented move, South Korean investigators attempted to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol at his Seoul residence, leading to a tense standoff with presidential security forces. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) sought to detain Yoon on charges of treason and abuse of power following his controversial declaration of martial law in December.
Upon arrival, investigators were met with resistance from the Presidential Security Service and a military unit guarding the premises. Despite deploying approximately 3,000 officers, the CIO was unable to execute the arrest warrant due to safety concerns and the steadfast opposition of Yoon’s security detail.
President Yoon’s legal team condemned the arrest attempt as illegal, vowing to pursue legal action against the CIO. Meanwhile, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence, protesting the arrest efforts and expressing their backing for the embattled leader.
This development follows Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly in December after his failed attempt to impose martial law, which he justified as a necessary measure to maintain national stability. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating on his impeachment, with a decision expected in the coming months.
The political turmoil has exacerbated existing economic challenges in South Korea, leading to downward revisions of growth forecasts and discussions of potential additional budget measures to mitigate the impact.
As the nation awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the standoff has intensified political divisions and raised concerns about the stability of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
