SEOUL: Concerns are escalating over a possible confrontation as investigators prepare to execute a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has vowed to "fight to the end" following his impeachment. The Seoul Western District Court granted the warrant on Tuesday, allowing the state anti-corruption agency to proceed with the detention as early as Thursday. Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest, is under scrutiny for his brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has been preparing to execute the warrant while aiming to avoid major disruptions. The agency remains concerned that the presidential security service or Yoon's supporters might hinder the process. A recent incident saw approximately 30 of Yoon's supporters forcibly removed by police after breaching a barrier to protest outside the presidential residence.
President Yoon expressed solidarity with his supporters, asserting that South Korea is threatened by both internal and external forces. He assured them of his determination to "fight to the end." Meanwhile, his legal team has labeled the warrant "illegal" and filed an injunction to suspend its effect, claiming that if police attempt to enforce the warrant, the presidential security service could arrest them for abuse of power and obstruction of official duties.
The CIO initiated the warrant following Yoon's repeated refusal to comply with summonses for questioning, part of a joint investigation with police and the defense ministry into the martial law declaration. The agency is cautious in executing the warrant, given its unprecedented target of a sitting president. The warrant expires Monday, adding urgency to the CIO's actions.
In addition to the detention warrant, the court issued a warrant for investigators to search the presidential residence, citing exceptions to laws that typically restrict searches in areas containing military secrets. The presidential security service, which has previously barred raids on the presidential office, has yet to confirm these exceptions.
The CIO's chief, Oh Dong-woon, urged the security service to cooperate, warning of potential charges for dereliction of duty or obstruction if they attempt to block the warrant's execution. Should Yoon be detained, he will be taken to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon for questioning before being held at the Seoul Detention Center. The CIO will then have 48 hours to decide on further detention or release.