South Korean President Yoon Faces Arrest Deadline Amid Protests; CIO Seeks Warrant Extension

Jan 6, 2025, 12:58 AM

Thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets of Seoul, braving cold and snow, to protest both for and against President Yoon Suk Yeol as the deadline for his arrest warrant looms on January 6. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon, who was impeached over an alleged attempt to impose martial law on December 3. The CIO's attempt to execute the warrant has been met with resistance from the presidential security service, prompting the agency to seek an extension of the warrant's validity and ask the police to execute it. The police are considering arresting security staff if they obstruct the warrant's execution. The Constitutional Court is set to hold the first pretrial hearing on President Yoon's impeachment on January 13. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has been urged to intervene but has so far remained silent. Members of the ruling party, including about 30 lawmakers, have gathered at the presidential residence to oppose the arrest. The political crisis has intensified tensions in South Korea, raising concerns over the stability of the country's democracy.