Arrest warrant issued for impeached South Korean president as political crisis deepens

A South Korean court has approved arrest warrants for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of a criminal investigation into his martial law decree earlier this month. This historic move marks the first time a sitting president in South Korea has faced arrest, signaling a significant development in the country’s political landscape.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, along with police and military authorities, will be conducting the investigation into Yoon’s actions. The warrants allow for the detention of Yoon and the search of his office and residence in central Seoul. Yoon has been suspended from office since his declaration of martial law on December 3, which led to allegations of rebellion.

Under South Korean law, the leader of a rebellion can face severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. Yoon’s presidential immunity does not extend to charges of rebellion or treason, making him vulnerable to prosecution in this case.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law came after facing obstacles in passing his agenda through the opposition-dominated parliament. Despite imposing martial law, the National Assembly quickly voted to overrule the decision, rendering the declaration ineffective. Subsequently, Yoon was impeached by the parliament on December 14, leading to intense public protests both for and against the president.

The situation in South Korea has been further complicated by the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that claimed the lives of 179 people on Sunday. The country is still reeling from the disaster, with investigators working to determine the cause of the crash.

In the midst of these challenges, acting President Choi Sang-mok has taken the reins and is leading a task force to investigate the plane crash. The country remains on edge as it navigates through political turmoil and the aftermath of the tragic event.

The next hearing in Yoon’s Constitutional Court case is scheduled for Friday, where the fate of the impeached president will be decided. The country awaits the outcome of these proceedings as it grapples with the implications of a sitting president facing arrest for the first time in its history.