South Korean President Resists Arrest Amid Standoff with Officials Over Martial Law Declaration

 Authorities postponed the execution of the warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following resistance from his security detail at his residence in Seoul.

Jan. 3, 2025, 8:02 AM GMT+6 / Updated Jan. 3, 2025, 11:25 AM GMT+6

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean authorities made an attempt on Friday to execute an unprecedented arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed attempt to declare martial law. This dramatic move came after Yoon's impeachment last month, and he has been residing in the presidential residence since then.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. local time (11:30 p.m. Thursday ET), investigators and police officers began leaving Yoon's official residence in central Seoul after more than five hours of trying to execute the warrant. They announced they had suspended the arrest for the day, citing safety concerns after being blocked by Yoon's presidential security detail.

“It is with extreme regret that the suspect did not comply with the legal proceedings,” the joint investigation team stated.

Yoon’s lawyers argue that the arrest warrant, issued earlier this week, is illegal. It remains valid until Monday, allowing authorities to attempt to execute it again before then. The warrant seeks to detain Yoon for questioning regarding potential charges of insurrection, a crime for which South Korean presidents do not have immunity. A separate court warrant would be required for formal indictment and detention.

Thousands of police officers surrounded the compound on Friday, exactly one month after Yoon’s brief martial law declaration. Along with Yoon’s security personnel, they faced a growing group of Yoon’s conservative supporters who gathered outside, some waving American flags in solidarity with the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Supporters also attempted to form a “human shield” to protect Yoon from arrest.

Authorities confirmed that the arrest warrant was delivered to Yoon’s security chief, Park Jong-joon, at 10:11 a.m. The Presidential Security Service, which had previously blocked investigators from searching Yoon’s office and residence, explained that it was legally required to protect the president, including preventing anyone from entering to execute warrants.

The main opposition Democratic Party warned that Park and other members of the security team could face severe legal consequences for obstructing the arrest. Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae criticized the actions of the Presidential Security Service, questioning whether they were operating outside the law and undermining the judicial system.

“The Presidential Security Service must stop disregarding court-issued warrants,” Cho stated, urging the acting president, Choi Sang-mok, to take “decisive action” to ensure Yoon’s arrest. Yoon, 64, would be the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested if this happens.

Yoon’s legal team challenged the warrant, arguing that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is overseeing the investigation, lacks sufficient command authority over police operations.

“If any unlawful actions occur during the execution of this warrant, legal action will be pursued,” one of Yoon’s lawyers, Yoon Kap-geun, said.

Yoon, who took office in 2022, has faced challenges in advancing his legislative agenda due to opposition-controlled parliament. On Dec. 3, in an unexpected late-night address, he accused “anti-state forces” of paralyzing the government and declared martial law, which included a ban on all political activities. After lawmakers unanimously voted to reject the order, Yoon lifted the martial law about six hours later. Despite apologizing for the declaration, Yoon has refused to comply with summonses related to the ongoing criminal investigation, claiming that his decision to issue the order was within his presidential powers.

The incident has deeply divided South Korea, a nation with a history of military-authoritarian rule that has transitioned into one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies. A Gallup Korea poll from Dec. 13 showed Yoon's approval rating plummeting to 11%, down from 19% prior to the martial law incident.

Despite his low approval, Yoon still has a base of supporters, including those gathered outside the presidential residence. Some waved American flags, voicing their belief that Yoon and his conservative People Power Party are more supportive of the U.S. alliance than the opposition Democratic Party, which they accused of being friendlier toward China and North Korea. Others held signs echoing the "Stop the Steal" slogan associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump's false election claims.

Protester Gang Sung-min, who is in his 20s, stated that he was there to prevent Yoon's arrest, calling the investigations a result of unlawful overreach. "I believe the people can step in to block such illegal acts," he said.

In a letter to his supporters on Wednesday, Yoon thanked them for their efforts, even as he expressed concern for their health in the bitter cold. He framed his ongoing fight as one to protect South Korea’s sovereignty from what he described as “anti-state forces” both within and outside the country.

Yoon’s message drew criticism from the Democratic Party, which accused him of inciting further conflict and chaos. Cho Seung-rae, the party’s spokesperson, stated that the message was "highly inappropriate" and aimed at provoking extreme clashes among his supporters.

Meanwhile, North Korean state media commented on the situation, claiming that the crisis in South Korea had led to the “paralysis” of its state administration and heightened socio-political turmoil.

Yoon's impeachment is currently under review by South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to reach a decision. A second hearing took place on Friday. If Yoon’s impeachment is upheld, a presidential by-election will be called within 60 days.

Yoon’s suspension from presidential duties has led to a series of acting presidents. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly held the role but was also impeached on Dec. 27 after refusing to appoint three justices to fill Constitutional Court vacancies. Choi, the former deputy prime minister, stepped in two days before the deadly Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters of 2024.