Official statements from the South Korean government or credible news agencies

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Evades Arrest After Standoff; Court Rejects Objection

Jan 5, 2025, 01:40 AM

On Friday, January 3, 2025, South Korean investigators failed in their attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence in Seoul over his failed martial law declaration. The six-hour standoff with Yoon's security team ended after investigators cited safety concerns and called off the arrest. The investigators have since asked Acting President Choi Sang-mok to order the presidential security service to comply with the arrest warrant, which is set to expire on Monday, January 6. A South Korean court has dismissed Yoon's objection to the arrest warrant. Thousands of protesters for and against Yoon have staged rallies in Seoul, braving heavy snow as tensions escalate ahead of the warrant's expiration. The presidential security service has refused to cooperate, citing legal debates over the warrant.