Standoff Halts Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean authorities were unable to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to his December declaration of martial law, following a standoff at his residence. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), accompanied by police and prosecutors, attempted to detain Yoon early Friday morning but faced resistance from his Presidential Security Service (PSS) and hundreds of supporters.

The officers initially gained access to Yoon’s compound but were blocked by over 200 PSS personnel. The situation escalated as Yoon’s supporters, alerted by news of the arrest attempt, gathered near his residence, vowing to protect him. Protesters chanted slogans such as, “President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people,” and demanded the arrest of the CIO chief.

Citing safety concerns, authorities suspended the arrest attempt. In response, the joint investigation team launched a probe into the presidential security chief for obstruction of justice.

Yoon’s lawyer condemned the attempt as “reckless” and “unlawful,” vowing to challenge it in court. Meanwhile, military officials, including former army chief Park An-su, who was named martial law commander, have been detained and indicted on insurrection charges.

Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing frustration over opposition to his policies. Parliament overturned the declaration hours later and impeached him on December 14. Despite the issuance of an arrest warrant on December 31, Yoon remains defiant, refusing questioning and pledging to fight the charges.