About 70 investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for senior Korean officials (CIO) and police were present in front of Mr. Yoon’s residence on the morning of January 3. However, a police official said investigators were blocked from entering the building by a military unit believed to be part of the Capital Defense Command, Yonhap reported.
The CIO informed the media that they were “beginning to execute the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol”, on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, related to Mr. Yoon’s decision to declare martial law in early December 2024. . Mr. Yoon’s lawyer criticized the arrest warrant as “illegal”, vowing to take legal action.
Korean investigators were present in front of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence on January 3
However, protests by Mr. Yoon’s supporters outside the presidential palace have complicated the operations of CIO officials, along with the possibility that presidential security forces will hinder the arrest process.
The CIO requested an arrest warrant after Yoon ignored all three summons for questioning. The agency also obtained a search warrant for the presidential residence. In case security forces protecting the president or Mr. Yoon’s supporters try to prevent the CIO from carrying out the arrest warrant, the police have announced they will arrest them on charges of obstruction of duty.
If President Yoon is arrested, investigators plan to take him to CIO headquarters in Gwacheon city, south of Seoul, for questioning. After that, the CIO has 48 hours to apply for an official arrest warrant, or he will have to release Mr. Yoon.
On December 14, 2024, the Korean National Assembly passed a decision to impeach President Yoon, causing him to be suspended from his positions and powers, although he still holds the title of president, until the Korean Constitutional Court decides to remove him from office. Depose or reinstate Mr. Yoon.
