A South Korean court has issued warrants to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and search his office and residence over allegations of rebellion in connection with his declaration of martial law. This marks the first time a warrant has been issued to detain a sitting South Korean president. However, experts suggest that detention or searches are unlikely unless Yoon is formally removed from office.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military authorities, is leading the investigation into whether Yoon's declaration on December 3 constituted rebellion. Under South Korean law, a leader involved in rebellion could face severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Yoon's powers have been suspended since his impeachment on December 14 for imposing martial law, a move deemed unconstitutional as it was not during wartime or a similar emergency. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to dismiss Yoon as president or reinstate him.
Yoon has defended his actions as a legitimate act of governance, aimed at warning the opposition Democratic Party, which he accuses of undermining the government and sympathizing with North Korea. Despite the warrants, Yoon is expected to resist, having evaded previous requests for questioning and citing presidential immunity.
The warrants have sparked debate, with Yoon's lawyer calling them invalid and illegal. The anti-corruption agency has not disclosed immediate plans to execute the warrants, raising questions about the next steps in the investigation.
Former President Park Geun-hye's case, where she was arrested after being removed from office, serves as a precedent for Yoon's situation. Yoon's brief imposition of martial law led to political turmoil and arrests of top officials involved in the enactment.
The political crisis deepened with the recent impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo, further complicating the country's leadership. The appointment of new justices by the interim leader aims to address political uncertainty and national division, but has drawn criticism from both ruling and opposition parties.
