A tense six-hour standoff between security forces and police attempting to arrest suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ended with the operation being called off on Friday.
The standoff took place outside Yoon’s residence in central Seoul, where a heavily fortified security presence, including military units and Yoon’s personal protection team, blocked the arrest attempt.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which has been investigating Yoon for his controversial declaration of martial law in early December, confirmed the suspension of the arrest, citing concerns over the safety of the personnel involved. The initial arrest attempt followed a warrant issued by a Seoul court earlier this week after Yoon ignored multiple summonses for questioning related to the martial law episode. The charge against him includes allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.
The confrontation saw a large force of security officers and military troops form human barriers, preventing the investigators from accessing the residence. Yoon’s legal team, which was present during the standoff, argued that the arrest attempt was unlawful, contending that the CIO did not have the authority to enforce the warrant. Additionally, there were reports of altercations between security personnel and law enforcement, although no weapons were drawn during the standoff.
Yoon has been under intense scrutiny since his brief martial law declaration on December 3, which was quickly rescinded after significant political pushback. The decision to impose martial law, intended to quell political deadlock and crack down on alleged “anti-state forces,” was widely condemned, and Yoon faced impeachment proceedings led by an opposition-dominated parliament. On December 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, effectively suspending him from office.
Supporters of the impeached president gathered outside his residence, chanting slogans and expressing defiance against the legal process. The decision to halt the arrest effort was met with cheers from Yoon’s supporters, further fueling the political crisis in the country. Some critics of Yoon have expressed frustration over his refusal to take responsibility for his actions, while others continue to call for his removal.
Despite the setback, investigations into Yoon’s martial law declaration are ongoing, with prosecutors also indicting several military officials who played a role in the event. The arrest warrant for Yoon remains valid until January 6, and investigators may attempt another arrest before the deadline. However, the presence of large crowds and heightened tensions could complicate any further efforts.
The political turmoil in South Korea has captured international attention, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken scheduled to visit Seoul next week to discuss the crisis and broader regional issues.
With input from BBC, the Guardian, and Reuters.
