South Korea faces a period of uncertainty after investigators from the anti-corruption investigative unit failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday. The attempted arrest at the presidential residence in central Seoul marks a significant moment in the nation’s history, as it was the first time an arrest warrant had been issued against a sitting president.
Yoon, identified by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charges, had declared martial law on the night of December 3. The National Assembly swiftly revoked the martial law hours later. Subsequently, an impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 and delivered to the constitutional court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate the case. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
Tense Standoff at Presidential Residence
On Friday, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that their investigators, along with police officers, had to withdraw from the presidential residence after a five-and-a-half-hour standoff with the presidential security service agents. The CIO expressed deep regret over President Yoon’s refusal to comply with legal procedures and noted concerns about the safety of their investigators.
The arrest warrant, issued on Tuesday by a Seoul court, was valid for a week, ending next Monday. The CIO indicated that they would decide on future measures after relevant reviews, given the inability to execute the warrant.
The standoff began early in the morning when investigators arrived at the presidential residence at around 7:21 a.m. local time. They overcame the first cordon of policemen and reached the main gate about 40 minutes later. However, they were met with resistance from the presidential security service inside the residence after breaking through a second cordon of soldiers.
During the confrontation, some investigators reportedly tussled with soldiers and security agents, though no injuries were confirmed. The CIO had warned earlier that any obstruction by the security service would constitute a crime of obstruction of justice.
Approximately 2,700 riot policemen were allegedly deployed around the residence to assist with the execution of the arrest warrant. The CIO has formed a joint investigation unit with the National Office of Investigation and the Defense Ministry’s investigation headquarters to probe Yoon’s imposition of martial law.
What Happens Next?
With the failed arrest and the impeachment process underway, South Korea faces a complex and potentially prolonged period of political uncertainty. The constitutional court’s deliberation over Yoon’s impeachment could take up to six months. In the meantime, Yoon’s presidential powers remain suspended, and the nation awaits the court’s decision.
The situation raises questions about the stability of South Korea’s political landscape and the implications for its economy and international relations. Investors and analysts will be closely monitoring developments, as the country navigates this unprecedented crisis.
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What happens next after S. Korean investigators fail to arrest Yoon?
cgtn.com
