South Korea Seeks Extended Arrest Warrant for Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol

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South Korean authorities have requested an extension of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol amid a high-profile corruption investigation. The corruption investigation office filed the application on Monday at Seoul western district court after their previous attempts to serve the warrant were obstructed by presidential security service guards.

Yoon faces allegations of insurrection following his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which has drawn criticism from both domestic and international officials. Notably, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's deputy expressed concerns over Yoon's actions, describing them as "badly misjudged."

Impeached by parliament on December 14, Yoon has been suspended from his presidential duties while the constitutional court decides his fate. The investigation into the circumstances of the martial law declaration has escalated tensions, leading to dueling protests from supporters and critics of Yoon.

With the initial arrest warrant set to expire at midnight on Monday, law enforcement officials stated that police are prepared to take over the execution of the warrant under a joint investigation team. However, legal disputes surrounding jurisdiction have complicated the situation, with Yoon's lawyers arguing that the anti-graft force lacks authority in insurrection cases.

Supporters of Yoon, including a coalition led by a Christian pastor, plan to continue their demonstrations in his defense, framing the situation as a broader struggle for freedom.

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