South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIO) has requested police to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a failed attempt to detain him last week after a confrontation with his security detail.
On Monday, the CIO announced that it had sent a letter to the police on Sunday night, authorizing them to execute an arrest warrant against Yoon. The president was suspended from office pending a decision by the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment.
The request comes after the CIO abandoned an attempt to arrest Yoon on Friday due to strong resistance from his security guards. After more than five hours of confrontation, the agency withdrew from the president’s residence, stating it was “almost impossible” to detain him.
The National Police Agency has identified legal issues with the CIO’s request and plans to discuss the matter further. Baek Dong-heum, the director overseeing the case, stated at a press briefing, “After examining the letter internally, we found that it is legally controversial. We reaffirm that we are investigating the case in accordance with the law and principles under the joint investigation team [with the CIO].” Baek did not elaborate on the specific legal concerns.
Local media reports indicate that Yoon’s lawyers filed a request with the Seoul District Court to cancel the search warrant, arguing that the CIO lacked the authority to investigate sedition charges. However, the court rejected the request on Sunday, ruling that the agency could include the charge as it relates to alleged misconduct under investigation.
The current arrest warrant is set to expire at midnight, but the CIO has stated it will seek an extension from the court.
Yoon was suspended from office on December 14 after National Assembly lawmakers voted to remove him following his declaration of martial law, which triggered significant political turmoil in South Korea. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to uphold or reject the impeachment, a process that could take up to six months.
The CIO and police formed a joint investigation team last month to probe allegations that Yoon incited riots by declaring martial law on December 3 and deploying troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission. Yoon withdrew the declaration the following morning after lawmakers voted against it.
Over the weekend, Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence in Seoul’s Yongsan district, waving U.S. and South Korean flags and pledging to protect him. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters demanded his arrest.
The CIO asked Acting President Choi Sang-mok to order Yoon’s security service to execute the arrest warrant. However, Choi declined, citing the need to remain neutral in the case. Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister and finance minister, was appointed by Yoon.
In a message to reporters, Choi stated, “Government officials should not be harmed in this difficult situation. I ask the authorities to ensure that citizens and officials are not harmed in the process of enforcing the law.”
