South Korea faces an unprecedented political crisis as investigators work against a midnight deadline to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon remains in his official residence in Seoul, shielded by the Presidential Security Service, which has repeatedly blocked attempts to enforce arrest and search warrants issued by the Seoul Western District Court.
The warrants stem from Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, a brief but controversial move that led to his impeachment on Dec. 14.
The anti-corruption agency, or the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, coordinating with police and military authorities, is leading efforts to execute the warrants. During the week of Dec. 30, an attempt to detain Yoon failed after security forces denied investigators access and reinforced the residence with barbed wire.
Officials are now considering the possibility of arresting members of the security team for obstruction of justice. The use of special task forces has also been raised as a potential option.
Yoon’s legal team argued that the warrants cannot be enforced at his residence, citing laws that protect locations tied to military secrets. They also claim the anti-corruption agency lacks jurisdiction over insurrection charges, and accuse investigators of exceeding their authority. Complaints have been filed against agency officials, police and military personnel involved in the detention attempt.
Although martial law lasted just hours, its declaration has left South Korea deeply divided. Critics accuse Yoon of attempting an unconstitutional power grab to sideline opposition lawmakers, while supporters argue the action was necessary to maintain order.
The crisis drew both domestic and international scrutiny, raising concerns about the stability of South Korea’s democracy and its global reputation. Martial law declarations are rare in South Korea’s modern history and evoke memories of authoritarian regimes.
The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is detained, it would mark the first time a sitting president in South Korea has been arrested, setting a significant precedent with potential lasting impacts on the nation’s political future and democratic institutions.
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