High Drama in South Korea as Investigators Suspend Arrest Attempt of Ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol

CGC News Reporter January 3, 2025

A day of high tension in South Korea came to a dramatic conclusion as investigators suspended their attempt to arrest ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol after a six-hour standoff with his security team outside his residence. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which has been probing Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration, announced that they had deemed the arrest “impossible” for the time being.

“We’ve determined that the arrest is impossible,” the CIO stated, adding that next steps would be reviewed. The office expressed regret over Yoon’s refusal to comply with the legal process, calling it “deeply regrettable.”
Yoon’s supporters, who had gathered in large numbers outside the presidential residence in recent days, erupted in celebration upon hearing the suspension, chanting “We won!” as they sang and danced in the streets.

Investigators still have until January 6 to arrest Yoon before the current arrest warrant expires. However, they retain the option to apply for a new warrant and attempt to detain him again. The situation remains fluid, as legal and political tensions continue to unfold in South Korea.