Law enforcement officials in South Korea made a second attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence in Seoul. The investigation is focused on Yoon's imposition of martial law on December 3, with authorities looking into whether it constituted an attempted rebellion. Despite a court warrant for his detention, the presidential security service has fortified the compound to protect Yoon, leading to a standoff with law enforcement.
Anti-corruption agency vehicles and police officers were seen near the residence, while supporters and critics of Yoon gathered outside, expressing conflicting views on his situation. The police presence was significant, with hundreds of officers closely monitoring the scene and setting up perimeters with buses.
Yoon's top aide appealed to law enforcement to reconsider their efforts to detain him, suggesting alternative ways for questioning. However, Yoon's legal team indicated that they have no immediate plans to make him available for questioning by investigators.
If Yoon is detained, investigators are likely to seek court permission for a formal arrest. Otherwise, he would be released after 48 hours. Yoon has remained inside his official residence for weeks, with previous attempts to detain him resulting in a standoff with the presidential security service.
The National Police Agency has been planning detainment efforts, with speculation that over a thousand officers could be deployed in a potential multiday operation. The agency has warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the warrant execution could face arrest.
Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3 was short-lived, as lawmakers swiftly voted to lift the measure. Following his impeachment on December 14, Yoon's fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating on whether to remove him from office or dismiss the charges and reinstate him.
