South Korean investigators suspended efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday after a six-hour standoff at his official residence in Seoul. Yoon, who was impeached last month following a short-lived martial law declaration, is under investigation for allegations of abuse of power and insurrection.
Early Friday, approximately 150 investigators and police officers, led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Yoon.
Investigators were met with resistance from Yoon’s presidential security detail, who formed a barricade of vehicles and personnel to block entry.
NEW: South Korea’s military is blocking investigators from arresting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence.
Yoon’s lawyer called the arrest warrant “illegal and invalid,” threatening legal action against attempts to detain him.
Approximately 2,700 police officers… pic.twitter.com/TNzzEF3424
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2025
Inside the compound, a “human wall” of around 200 security officers and soldiers prevented investigators from reaching Yoon’s residence. Several scuffles occurred between the two sides, and safety concerns ultimately led the CIO to withdraw from the site.
Outside the residence, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered despite freezing temperatures. Waving South Korean and American flags, many chanted slogans in support of Yoon and against his arrest. Placards reading “Stop the Steal” echoed language used during U.S. political protests.
Crowds gathered in front of the South Korean president’s residence today to support the military unit that blocked the police from arresting President Yoon.
It’s likely that they will mobilize larger numbers on Monday if there will be another attempt to arrest him.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 3, 2025
Yoon faces multiple allegations, including leading an insurrection after his December 3 declaration of martial law. Yoon ordered troops to surround the National Assembly, claiming opposition lawmakers were obstructing governance. The declaration was rescinded within hours after unanimous parliamentary opposition, but the fallout led to his impeachment on December 14.
Yoon’s legal team has argued that the arrest warrant is invalid and filed challenges with both the Constitutional Court and a lower court. If detained, Yoon could be held for 48 hours for questioning, with the CIO required to seek an extension for further detention.
