SEOUL: A joint investigation team is intensifying its efforts to secure a search warrant and an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an inquiry into his brief imposition of martial law, a police official announced on Monday. The team, which includes the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the police, and the defense ministry's investigation unit, submitted their requests to the Seoul Western District Court at midnight on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the warrants are being sought following President Yoon's failure to respond to three summonses for questioning. The charges against him include insurrection and abuse of power, stemming from his actions on December 3, when he declared martial law and allegedly deployed troops to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from voting against the decree. The investigation team revealed its intention to execute the warrants if granted by the court, although the presidential security service's potential non-cooperation remains a concern.
Officials are taking comprehensive measures to address any obstacles that might arise during the execution of a warrant. Previous attempts by the police to acquire security camera footage from the presidential safe house and office were unsuccessful due to a lack of cooperation from the security service. The investigation team is determined to proceed with caution and thorough preparation.
President Yoon, however, has dismissed the allegations, asserting that the martial law declaration was an "act of governance" intended to caution the opposition party against what he perceived as its misuse of legislative authority. Despite the charges, he remains steadfast in his denial, framing his actions as a necessary response to political maneuvering by his opponents.