SEOUL: On December 31, a court approved an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over martial law actions.
Yoon faces investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for imposing martial law on December 3.
This marks the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant was issued for a sitting president.
If enforced, Yoon will be detained at Seoul Detention Center before the warrant expires on January 6.
Justification for Arrest Warrant
The court cited Yoon’s failure to respond to three summonses as grounds for approving the arrest warrant.
Authorities believe Yoon led an insurrection, a charge that removes presidential immunity under South Korean law.
The CIO also obtained approval for a search warrant targeting Yoon’s residence, intensifying the investigation’s scope.
Efforts to search the presidential office were previously blocked by South Korea’s presidential security service.
Security Service Responds to Court Orders
South Korea’s presidential security service said it will handle Yoon’s warrant according to legal procedures.
It remains unclear when or how the warrant will be executed, raising questions about practical enforcement.
Ruling People Power Party’s acting leader criticized detaining a suspended president, calling the measure inappropriate.
Authorities continue exploring all legal avenues to ensure compliance and resolve the investigation’s significant allegations.