South Korea's Suspended President Yoon Faces Arrest Blocked by Military Unit

KRKorea|

Tensions escalate in South Korea as suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol faces a looming arrest warrant related to his controversial declaration of martial law. Investigators from the anti-corruption agency sought to enforce the warrant, but encountered obstacles when a military unit intervened at Yoon's residence in Seoul.

Authorities had previously summoned Yoon multiple times, but he neglected to appear. The warrant was issued following his refusal to cooperate with inquiries regarding the martial law he briefly declared on December 3, which shocked both domestic and international observers.

On Friday, as investigators attempted to execute the warrant, they were reportedly thwarted by soldiers stationed at Yoon's residence. The anti-corruption agency was redirected and could not carry out the arrest. Yoon's attorney argued that the warrant's execution was unlawful and hinted at potential legal action in response.

The political crisis has deepened following the South Korean parliament's recent vote for Yoon's impeachment, which occurred in the wake of the martial law declaration. This political turmoil has led to the interim president, Han Duck-soo, being targeted for removal as well, exacerbating the instability in the government.

The situation continues to unfold as investigators, comprised of prosecutors, police, and anti-corruption officials, pursue clarity on the circumstances surrounding Yoon's martial law declaration.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Korea

South Korea's Constitutional Court Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol Following Controversial Martial Law Declaration

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on April 4, 2025, to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office due to his controversial attempt to impose martial law, which lawmakers labeled a "grave betrayal." This decision follows Yoon's suspension in December 2023 after he ordered armed soldiers to occupy parliament and was subsequently arrested on insurrection charges. Acting court President Moon Hyung-bae emphasized the "serious negative impact" of Yoon's actions on civilian governance, stating that these actions constituted significant constitutional violations. Yoon's removal is immediate and will lead to new presidential elections within 60 days, with authorities expected to announce the electoral date soon. This ruling comes at a time of heightened political tension in South Korea, with widespread public fallout from Yoon's actions. Protests have erupted from both supporters and opponents of the president, indicating a deeply divided political landscape.
KRKorea

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached and Removed from Office

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has been officially removed from office following a ruling by the country’s constitutional court, which upheld an impeachment decision by parliament. Yoon's impeachment stemmed from his controversial declaration of martial law in December, which he argued was necessary to combat "anti-state" forces supportive of North Korea. The court's unanimous decision has raised significant concerns regarding the future of democracy in South Korea. Acting president Han Duck-soo will oversee the government until a new president is elected, with a vote expected within 60 days. This ruling has intensified existing societal divisions, as Yoon's supporters claim the impeachment proceedings were illegal, while recent polls show that 60% of South Koreans favor his removal. Demonstrations involving both supporters and opponents have occurred, although a heavy police presence limited access to the court area during the ruling. Yoon, the second South Korean president to be impeached after Park Geun-hye in 2017, also faces separate insurrection charges that could carry severe penalties.
KRKorea

South Korea Faces Unprecedented Wildfires, 27 Lives Lost

South Korea is grappling with its worst wildfire crisis on record, with at least 27 fatalities and extensive destruction reported in the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang. According to officials, the fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds, have burned over 36,000 hectares, displacing around 37,000 residents. The country's disaster chief, Lee Han-kyung, declared the event a stark reminder of the severe realities posed by climate change. The wildfires, originating in Uiseong county, have outpaced previous fire disasters, exceeding the 23,913 hectares scorched in the 2020 wildfire. Responding to the emergency, the military has deployed resources to support firefighting efforts, with over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters mobilized. The situation remains critical, with several historical sites, including two UNESCO World Heritage locations, under threat. Experts attribute the rapid spread to a combination of extremely low rainfall and climate change, which has intensified the region's dry conditions. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that last year was the hottest on record, further contributing to the wildfire risks faced by the country.
KRKorea