South Korea’s impeached president avoids arrest attempt after hourslong standoff

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced a tense standoff on Friday as investigators from the country’s anti-corruption agency attempted to arrest him at his official residence. The presidential security service blocked the investigators from entering for nearly six hours, citing concerns about their safety. The agency expressed disappointment at Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with the legal process.

Yoon, who was impeached last month for declaring martial law, has been avoiding questioning by investigators for weeks. He has remained holed up in his residence since December 12, when he made a televised statement vowing to fight efforts to remove him from office.

The impeachment stemmed from Yoon’s controversial decision to declare martial law on December 3, in response to opposition from the parliament. The National Assembly quickly overturned the declaration and accused Yoon of rebellion, leading to his impeachment on December 14. Anti-corruption authorities and public prosecutors have since launched investigations into his actions.

A warrant for Yoon’s detention was issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday, but enforcing it has proven difficult as long as he remains in his official residence. Yoon’s lawyers have challenged the warrant, arguing that it cannot be executed at his residence due to laws protecting locations linked to military secrets.

Despite the standoff, thousands of police officers gathered outside Yoon’s residence as pro-Yoon protesters rallied in his support. The situation escalated as investigators and police clashed with presidential security forces at the gate of the residence.

Yoon’s fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to uphold his impeachment and remove him from office or reinstate him. At least six out of the nine justices on the court must vote in favor of removing him from office.

The situation remains tense as the political crisis in South Korea deepens. Yoon’s defiance of the legal process and continued residence at the presidential compound have sparked widespread protests and uncertainty about the country’s future leadership.