SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean investigators ended a nearly six-hour standoff at the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, where he resisted their attempt to detain him. This marks the latest clash in a political crisis that has paralyzed South Korean politics and led to the impeachment of two heads of state in less than a month.
The country’s anti-corruption agency had to withdraw its investigators as they were blocked by the presidential security service from entering Yoon’s residence for safety reasons. The agency expressed disappointment over the suspect’s uncooperative behavior, as he did not comply with legal procedures.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, has been evading investigators’ questioning for weeks. His last public appearance was on Dec. 12, when he made a defiant televised statement at the nearby presidential office, vowing to resist attempts to remove him from office.
The anti-corruption agency is considering charging Yoon with rebellion after he declared martial law on Dec. 3 in response to opposition interference with his policies. The declaration was swiftly overturned by parliament, leading to Yoon’s impeachment on Dec. 14. Separate investigations into the events are ongoing.
A warrant for Yoon’s detention was issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday, but enforcing it proves difficult as long as he remains in his official residence. Yoon’s legal team is challenging the warrant, citing laws protecting locations associated with military secrets.
Future actions regarding Yoon’s detention remain uncertain, with discussions ongoing. If he is detained, investigators will likely seek court approval for a formal arrest. Protesters supporting Yoon gathered outside his residence, but there were no immediate reports of clashes.
During the standoff, investigators and police officers attempted to enter the residence to execute the warrant, but the situation quickly escalated. Yoon’s lawyers were also present, though their discussions with the president were not disclosed.
Seok Dong-hyeon, a member of Yoon’s legal team, criticized the agency’s actions.
South Korea’s efforts to detain Yoon were described as “reckless” and displaying an “outrageous disregard for the law.” The Defense Ministry of South Korea confirmed that investigators and police officers were able to bypass a military unit guarding the residence’s grounds before reaching the building. The presidential security service, responsible for the residence itself, declined to provide any comment. YTN television in South Korea reported confrontations and scuffles between investigators and police and the presidential security forces.
As the standoff continued, the liberal opposition Democratic Party urged the country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, to instruct the presidential security service to stand down. Choi did not immediately respond to the situation. Democratic lawmaker Jo Seung-lae emphasized, “Do not involve the upright staff of the presidential security service and other public officials in criminal activities.” Jo urged Choi to act swiftly to address the rebellion and prevent further chaos, highlighting that it is his responsibility.
Yoon, who has had his presidential powers suspended following his impeachment by the National Assembly on Dec. 14, now awaits the decision of the Constitutional Court. The Court is deliberating on whether to uphold the impeachment and officially remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. A minimum of six justices out of the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favor to remove him from office.
Recent political developments have seen Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s powers were suspended, impeached by the National Assembly last week. This action was prompted by his hesitation to fill three vacancies on the Constitutional Court before the court’s review of Yoon’s case. Under mounting pressure, acting president Choi appointed two new justices on Tuesday, potentially influencing the court’s decision regarding Yoon’s impeachment.
Formerly, Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and several high-ranking military commanders have been arrested due to their involvement in the period of martial law. The political landscape in South Korea remains tense as the power struggle unfolds, with implications for the future governance of the country.
