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Impeached South Korean President Resists Arrest as Warrant Nears Expiry Amid Protests

Jan 5, 2025, 04:25 AM

South Korea is in the midst of an unprecedented political crisis as impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol resists arrest over a failed martial law decree. On Friday, January 3, 2025, authorities attempted to detain Yoon at his official residence in Seoul but were blocked by his presidential security team and around 200 soldiers forming a 'human wall'. The six-hour standoff ended with investigators retreating. Yoon had declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from North Korea and domestic unrest, but the move was swiftly rejected by opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. His impeachment followed shortly after. The arrest warrant for Yoon, which includes charges of insurrection, expires on Monday night, adding urgency to the situation. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has been asked by investigators to order the presidential security service to cooperate but has not responded. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Seoul, braving heavy snow and freezing temperatures, rallying both for and against Yoon's arrest. Pro-Yoon demonstrators have gathered near the presidential residence, waving flags and carrying banners, while opponents demand his immediate detention. The crisis has sparked intense debate over the concentration of presidential power and calls for closer oversight of military and intelligence agencies.