South Korea’s anti-corruption agency announced on Monday that it has transferred the execution of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol to the police, as the warrant is set to expire. The agency’s move intensifies the political drama enveloping the nation since Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration.
Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection following his December 3 martial law declaration, an action that shocked the country and led to his impeachment. The arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear for questioning multiple times, prompting authorities to take decisive action.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14 last year, suspending his presidential powers and transferring the case to the constitutional court for deliberation, a process that can take up to 180 days.
Last week, a tense six-hour standoff unfolded at Yoon’s compound in central Seoul when presidential guards and military forces prevented authorities from arresting him. The confrontation highlighted the deep divisions and escalating tensions within the nation’s political and security apparatus.
With the arrest warrant set to expire on Monday, officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for High-ranking Officials, which is investigating Yoon’s martial law declaration, may attempt another arrest before the deadline. According to local media outlet YTN, the anti-corruption agency plans to request an extension of the warrant’s execution period.
Yoon’s legal team has consistently challenged the legitimacy of the warrant, labeling it “unlawful” and “illegal.” They have pledged to pursue further legal action to contest the charges and the arrest warrant.
The unfolding events have gripped the nation, as citizens and international observers watch closely to see how the situation will resolve. The case holds significant implications for South Korea’s political stability and the rule of law.
