Seoul: The police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), and the Presidential Security Service (PSS) convened on Tuesday to deliberate the execution of a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his brief imposition of martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting was held amidst speculation that investigators, led by the CIO, are preparing for a second attempt to detain Yoon this week after a failed effort earlier in the month. Despite the hour-long discussion, the parties involved reportedly reached few concrete conclusions.
In a press notice, the police stated, "We requested the cooperation of the Presidential Security Service for the safe and peaceful execution of the warrant, and are waiting for its response." The CIO and the police have plans to deploy around 1,000 investigators to ensure the success of the forthcoming attempt, following the initial failure due to PSS personnel obstructing their entry into Yoon's official residence in Seoul.
President Yoon is believed to be residing in his official residence since his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, which has temporarily suspended him from his duties. The CIO has obtained two consecutive court warrants to detain Yoon on allegations of insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law declared on December 3.
The ongoing situation has sparked concerns about a potential physical confrontation between law enforcement, PSS, and the thousands of protesters who have been demonstrating outside Yoon's residence, either in support of or against his arrest.