South Korea investigators attempt to arrest President Yoon

South Korean investigators entered the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday to execute an arrest warrant over his failed martial law declaration, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting leader faces arrest.

Yoon’s declaration on December 3 briefly thrust South Korea back to the dark days of military rule, resulting in his suspension by lawmakers. The 62-year-old leader now faces potential imprisonment or, in the most extreme scenario, the death penalty.

"The execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol has begun," announced the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is spearheading the probe into Yoon's martial law attempt. Investigators, including senior prosecutor Lee Dae-hwan, were allowed past security barricades but were reportedly blocked by a military unit inside the residence, according to Yonhap news agency.

It remains unclear whether the Presidential Security Service, still tasked with protecting Yoon, will comply with the arrest order. Yoon’s legal team has fiercely opposed the warrant, calling it "illegal and invalid."

"The execution of a warrant that is illegal and invalid is indeed not lawful," said Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun, in a statement.

Heavy security surrounded the compound in central Seoul, with 2,700 police officers and 135 police buses deployed to prevent clashes between Yoon’s supporters and anti-Yoon demonstrators.

Supporters Rally Around Yoon
Yoon’s most ardent supporters, including far-right activists and evangelical preachers, camped outside his residence overnight, holding prayer sessions and chanting slogans.

"Illegal warrant is invalid," they shouted early Friday, waving red glow sticks and chanting Yoon’s name. Rhee Kang-san, a pro-Yoon protester, expressed hope for the president’s survival, saying, "We are rooting for him to fight through this."

Legal and Political Turmoil
The CIO has stated its intent to detain Yoon and bring him to their Gwacheon office near Seoul for questioning. Under the existing warrant, Yoon can be held for 48 hours, after which a fresh warrant would be required to extend his detention.

Yoon’s legal team has filed for an injunction with the constitutional court to block the arrest and submitted an objection to the Seoul court that approved the warrant. However, CIO head Oh Dong-woon has warned that anyone obstructing the arrest could face prosecution.

The arrest attempt highlights South Korea’s turbulent political landscape, which has seen previous instances of arrest warrants for lawmakers failing due to resistance from supporters. As of now, Yoon remains inside the presidential residence, vowing to "fight" the authorities.