South Korean investigators attempted to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence, leading to a near-six-hour standoff on Friday. The investigators were forced to withdraw after facing resistance from the presidential security service, which blocked their entry due to safety concerns.
The anti-corruption agency expressed regret over Yoon's non-compliance with the legal process and the challenges in detaining him while under the protection of the security service. They plan to demand the acting leader to ensure cooperation in executing the detainment warrant.
Pro-Yoon protesters gathered outside the residence, showing support for the embattled president. The National Police Agency announced plans to investigate the chief and deputy chiefs of the presidential security service for obstructing official duty.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, has been avoiding questioning and resisted attempts to detain him. He declared martial law on Dec. 3, which was swiftly overturned by parliament, leading to his impeachment on Dec. 14 on charges of rebellion.
Legal complexities arise in enforcing the warrant for Yoon's detention, as he remains in his official residence. Yoon's lawyers argue against the authority of the investigating agency in handling rebellion charges and the limitations in searching his residence without consent.
The standoff highlights the clash between judicial authority and presidential protection laws. The Constitutional Court holds the key to Yoon's fate, with deliberations ongoing to decide on upholding the impeachment or reinstating him.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who took over as acting president, also faced impeachment for delays in appointing Constitutional Court justices. The recent appointments aim to influence the court's decision on Yoon's case.
