KUALA LUMPUR — A standoff appears to be developing in Seoul, South Korea, where investigators attempting to execute the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol are facing a blockade by a military unit inside the official residence compound.
AFP posted breaking news about the blockade on X this morning, after officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police were seen entering the official residence.
Yoon is to be investigated for abuse of power over his declaration of martial law last month, which lasted only six hours and prompted impeachment proceedings against him. It is the first time South Korea has sought to arrest a leader in office, although lawmakers have voted to suspend Yoon from duty.
Outside the presidential residence, Yonhap News Agency said there are 2,700 police officers deployed to prevent clashes between Yoon’s supporters and those against him.
According to Yonhap, the CIO has until Monday to execute the detention warrant.
Yoon has been inside the residence since earlier this week when his warrant for arrest was granted by the court.
On Dec 3, Yoon had declared martial law, citing security concerns from “anti-state” forces sympathetic to North Korea. Thousands of people almost immediately gathered to protest outside the National Assembly, encouraged by an opposition party leader who held a livestream on social media calling for a demonstration.
AFP quoted CIO head Oh Dong-woon saying that anyone obstructing authorities from arresting Yoon could also face prosecution. – January 3, 2025