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South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Arrest for 12·3 Insurrection, Warrant Valid Until Jan 6

Jan 2, 2025, 05:42 AM

The High-Ranking Public Officials Crimes Investigation Office (공수처) is set to execute an arrest warrant for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of leading the 12·3 insurrection. The warrant, issued by the Seoul Western District Court, is valid until January 6, 2025. The execution of the warrant has been delayed due to ongoing coordination with the police and concerns about potential clashes with the Presidential Security Service. President Yoon's legal team has challenged the legality of the warrant, arguing that it is unlawful and that any attempt to execute it by the police could lead to their arrest by the security service or even by citizens. Amidst these tensions, supporters and critics of President Yoon have gathered outside the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, leading to confrontations and police intervention to disperse the crowds. The situation remains tense as the deadline for the warrant's execution approaches, with about 50 공수처 personnel, including 15 inspectors and 36 investigators, ready to be deployed, equipped with a 100-page questionnaire for the interrogation. Some supporters have lain down in protest, while the police have mobilized riot squads to manage the situation.