Investigators are on site with South Korea's president because of an arrest warrant

Investigators are on site with South Korea's president because of an arrest warrant

South Korean investigators have entered the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to execute an arrest warrant against him, Yonhap News Agency reported Friday morning local time.

Investigations and allegations against President Yoon

The controversial president is wanted for several investigations, including on suspicion of leading an insurrection - an offense punishable by life in prison or even the death penalty. This came after he unexpectedly declared martial law in early December.

Court approval and security measures

A court approved the arrest warrant for Yoon on Tuesday, the first time such an action has been taken against a sitting president. This leads to a dramatic conflict between the investigators and the president. In response, the presidential security team stated that “security measures will be taken in accordance with the legal procedure for the execution of the arrest warrants.”

Yoon's refusal to cooperate

Yoon, a former prosecutor himself, has ignored three summonses from investigators seeking his cooperation in recent weeks, according to South Korea's Corruption Investigation Bureau (CIO).

Police presence and protests

A large police presence could be seen around the presidential residence in Seoul on Friday, with many officers wearing jackets and face masks in cold weather, accompanied by police vans. Hundreds of Yoon's supporters gathered near police, holding signs that read "Stop the steal" in English. Other posters called his arrest a betrayal. Protesters shouted to break through the barricade set up by police, while others shouted: “Arrest the CIO.”

Impeachment and resistance

Yoon was stripped of his presidential powers last month in a parliamentary vote that led to his impeachment. That vote came after some members of his own ruling party turned against him when he refused to resign under his short-lived decree. However, despite the investigation and an ongoing impeachment trial in one of the country's highest courts, the suspended president has remained resilient and vowed to fight for the country until the end.

Public statement and crisis management

The statement he shared with his supporters outside his residence this week was his first public statement in weeks after remaining largely in the background following widespread condemnation of his decree. Yoon had declared martial law in a surprise late-night speech on December 3, claiming that opposition lawmakers had "paralyzed state affairs." He said the move was necessary to protect a liberal South Korea from threats from “subversive elements.”

Political turmoil in South Korea

National Assembly members, including some of Yoon's own party colleagues, voted to lift martial law about six hours later. Yoon's order received strong criticism from the public and politicians of all stripes, bringing back painful memories of the country's authoritarian past. In the weeks since, the country has been embroiled in political unrest, with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and acting president Han Duck-soo, just weeks after it voted to impeach Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now acting president.

This story is evolving and will be updated.