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Security Blocks Arrest of Impeached South Korean President Yoon Over Sedition Charges

Jan 3, 2025, 02:58 AM

South Korean investigators on Friday attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence in Seoul but were blocked by his security detail, leading to a standoff that lasted nearly six hours. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), involving 80 investigators and supported by 2,700 police officers, sought to detain Yoon over allegations of sedition related to his declaration of martial law last month. The head of Yoon's security service refused to grant entry, citing security reasons, and military personnel guarded the premises. Hundreds of Yoon's supporters gathered outside, some carrying U.S. flags, to protest the arrest attempt. After hours of confrontation that included "big and small fights" at various stages, the CIO suspended the execution of the arrest warrant, which had been issued three days prior, citing safety concerns for personnel on the scene. The prosecutors later charged the head of the security service with obstruction. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that authorities have attempted to arrest a sitting president during their term. Yoon was impeached last month following widespread criticism of his attempt to invoke martial law.