South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol early Friday, with hundreds of his supporters gathering outside his residence in Seoul to block the move. The operation came amid heightened tensions and a heavy police presence, as Yoon’s defiant stance against the allegations continues to draw public and political attention.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials dispatched investigators to execute a warrant after Yoon evaded multiple summons for questioning and obstructed searches of his office. The investigation centres on whether Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law on December 3 constituted rebellion. If detained, Yoon would be the first sitting South Korean president in history to face arrest.
Television footage showed investigators’ vehicles navigating police barricades near Yoon’s residence, while officers loaded boxes into vehicles at their Gwacheon headquarters earlier in the day. A Seoul court had issued the detainment warrant, granting authorities 48 hours to investigate Yoon before deciding whether to request a formal arrest or release him.
Yoon, in a New Year’s message to conservative supporters rallying nearby, vowed to resist the detention. “I will fight to the end against anti-state forces,” he said.
His legal team has challenged the court’s decision, arguing the anti-corruption agency lacks jurisdiction over rebellion charges and citing laws protecting sites linked to military secrets from searches without consent. They warned police against cooperating, stating officers could face arrest by “the presidential security service or any citizens” if they attempt to detain him.
Anti-corruption chief prosecutor Oh Dong-woon suggested police might be deployed if Yoon’s security detail resists, though no immediate clashes were reported. Thousands of officers stood by outside Yoon’s residence as tensions continued to simmer.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of Yoon’s defence minister, police chief, and top military commanders for their roles in the martial law incident.
