South Korea Seeks Arrest of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Decree

 

South Korean authorities have taken a historic step by requesting a court warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The move comes as investigators probe whether his brief imposition of martial law on December 3 constituted an act of rebellion.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military investigators, filed the arrest request with a Seoul court. Yoon faces allegations of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion during the power grab, which lasted only a few hours but has caused weeks of political instability.

This marks the first attempt in South Korea’s history to detain a president before the completion of impeachment proceedings. Yoon has repeatedly refused to cooperate with investigators, evading questioning and blocking searches of his offices. It remains uncertain whether the court will grant the warrant or if Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning.

Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended following a December 14 vote by the National Assembly to impeach him over the martial law decree. Although short-lived, the decree has led to significant political upheaval, disrupted high-level diplomacy, and unsettled financial markets.

The impeachment process has now shifted to the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold the National Assembly’s decision and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.

Yoon has defended his actions, claiming the martial law decree was a necessary measure against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority and has obstructed his legislative agenda.

Meanwhile, the political fallout has extended to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was also impeached last week for failing to appoint three Constitutional Court judges crucial to Yoon’s case. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as the country’s interim leader.

Under South Korean law, locations tied to military secrets cannot be searched without the consent of their overseer, making it unlikely Yoon will willingly leave his residence if the court grants the arrest warrant. The investigation and impeachment proceedings have polarized the nation, with public opinion divided over the legitimacy of Yoon’s actions and the political response.

As the Constitutional Court deliberates Yoon’s fate, the nation watches closely, aware that the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for South Korea’s democracy and governance.