Protesters in South Korea are urging for the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol as a warrant set to expire at midnight on Monday looms. The head of security for Yoon, Park Chong-jun, stated on Sunday that he would not collaborate with efforts to apprehend the impeached leader, citing ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the warrant, as per Reuters.
“In order to avoid disrespectful comments insinuating that the presidential security service is being likened to a private army, we are unable to comply with the arrest request,” Park remarked in a written communication. The refusal to cooperate with the arrest warrant, coupled with the recent statements, could exacerbate the political turmoil in the nation, according to the report.
Despite the frigid temperatures, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near Yoon’s residence early Sunday to demand his arrest before the warrant’s expiration. Law enforcement officials, accompanied by police, endeavored to enforce the warrant against Yoon on Friday. However, they withdrew from his premises following a confrontation with the president’s security detail, as reported by The Associated Press.
South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach Yoon last month after he briefly imposed martial law, plunging the country into disarray. Yoon issued an apology subsequent to the martial law declaration — an incident unprecedented since 1980. The move triggered widespread condemnation from the populace and legislators, prompting the parliament to annul the martial law decree.
While Yoon pledged to refrain from declaring martial law in the future, the impeachment resolution garnered substantial backing. Law enforcement authorities have sought an arrest warrant for Yoon as part of an investigation into potential charges of rebellion stemming from his actions. Authorities have confirmed their intent to interrogate Yoon regarding allegations of abuse of authority.
Yoon’s legal representatives have contested the validity of the arrest warrant, asserting that it is illegitimate. Nonetheless, a court in Seoul dismissed their objections. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to journey to South Korea on Sunday to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the alliance.
