Impeached South Korean President Yoon is resisting arrest. What happens now?

FRANCE 24

3 January 2025 at 11:39 pm·2-min read

South Korea's political leadership was in uncharted territory on Saturday after President Yoon Suk Yeol resisted arrest over his failed martial law decree, days before the warrant for him expires on January 6. Attempts to arrest him at his residence were blocked by Yoon's security forces.

South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence Friday over his failed bid to declare martial law on December 3 but were blocked by his security forces.

Here are a few scenarios of what could happen next.

Another arrest

The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) may attempt to execute the arrest warrant for Yoon again before the January 6 deadline.

"Future actions will be decided after further review," it said, after halting its initial attempt.

If Yoon is arrested before that date, the CIO will have 48 hours to either request a new warrant for his formal arrest or release him.

Yoon's lawyers have repeatedly said that the warrant issued by the court is "unlawful" and "illegal", pledging to take further legal action against it.

The Presidential Security Service has also asserted that the CIO "unlawfully intruded" into the presidential residence and said it would hold the investigators "legally accountable" for their actions.

Two top officials from Yoon's presidential security service also refused a police request to appear for questioning on Saturday, citing the "serious nature" of protecting him, the service said in a statement sent to AFP.

Until then, while suspended, Yoon holds the title of president.

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Another arrest

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