Seoul Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over Martial Law Attempt

CGC News Reporter December 31, 2024

A Seoul court has issued an arrest warrant for South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, in connection with his attempt to impose martial law on December 3. Yoon, who is facing multiple investigations on charges of insurrection and treason, failed to comply with three summonses to appear for questioning in the past two weeks, prompting investigators to seek his arrest on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

The arrest warrant marks a significant escalation in South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, which was sparked by Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration and the subsequent impeachment of both him and his successor by the parliament. Yoon is the first sitting president in South Korean history to face arrest.

Investigators have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant, though it remains uncertain if they will be able to carry out the order due to potential resistance from Yoon’s security team and supporters. Previously, attempts to arrest prominent politicians have been blocked by aides and protesters.

Yoon’s legal team has argued that his declaration of martial law was within his constitutional rights and that investigators have no authority to arrest him. Despite being suspended from presidential duties since December 14, Yoon can only be permanently removed from office if his impeachment is upheld by the Constitutional Court, where a single judge’s rejection could prevent his removal.

The opposition, which has been pushing for Yoon’s impeachment, has also targeted other top officials, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who currently serves as both acting president and acting prime minister. The political turmoil continues as South Korea faces uncertainty over its leadership and the future of Yoon’s presidency.