Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is entering a third day of resisting arrest from his official residence, following his controversial declaration in December that led to his impeachment. The former president remains defiant, vowing to “fight” authorities seeking to question him over a failed martial law attempt, which has resulted in significant political turmoil.
Yoon’s controversial martial law order, issued on December 3, involved deploying armed troops to the National Assembly in an effort to suppress “anti-state elements,” though the declaration lasted only a few hours after lawmakers voted to block it. This failed move triggered his impeachment, and Yoon is now facing serious legal consequences, including potential arrest, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
In a statement passed to his supporters, Yoon asserted that the Republic of Korea is in danger from both internal and external forces, calling on his base to join him in protecting the nation. “I vow to fight alongside you to the very end,” Yoon said, while watching the protests on a YouTube livestream. His legal team has filed an injunction to block the arrest warrant, claiming the charges are unlawful.
Opposition lawmakers quickly condemned Yoon’s remarks, accusing him of inciting violence and chaos. Democratic Party spokesperson Jo Seoung-lae labeled the president “delusional” and warned that his actions could lead to further instability.
Yoon’s legal team has also disputed the warrants for his arrest, describing them as invalid. Meanwhile, the Chief of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), Oh Dong-woon, has cautioned that anyone obstructing Yoon’s arrest could face prosecution.
A Seoul court has issued both a search warrant for Yoon’s residence and a summons for questioning, though law enforcement has been unable to enforce these orders due to resistance from the Presidential Security Service, which has blocked access to the presidential residence, citing concerns over national security and official secrets.
The standoff continues as Yoon’s supporters gather outside the presidential residence, while his impeachment remains under review by the constitutional court. In the meantime, his successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has been impeached for his failure to sign off on investigations into Yoon’s actions, leaving Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as the acting president amidst ongoing political instability.
As tensions rise, the country watches closely for the court’s ruling on Yoon’s impeachment and whether the political crisis will lead to further upheaval.
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