South Korea‘s anti-corruption agency has asked the police to take impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol into custody, a move that failed last week due to resistance from his presidential security service. The agency’s investigators were met with resistance at the presidential security service’s headquarters in Seoul in a five-hour standoff that ended in failure.
Impeachment and Martial Law Controversy
Yoon‘s impeachment on December 14 by the National Assembly, which charged him with rebellion, came a few days after he declared martial law. While the martial law lasted only a few hours, it caused political and financial instability. Yoon defended his decision as a measure to counter legislative obstruction by the opposition, but critics said it undermined South Korea’s democratic framework. Now, the Constitutional Court has to decide on whether to finally sack Yoon or reinstate him.
Standoff over Presidential Security
Those investigators and police could only bypass guards from the military during the attempted detention; however, they were stopped 200 meters from Yoon’s residence by a barricade of vehicles and around 200 presidential security officers. The agency’s failure has drawn criticism, as there is increased demanding of a more forceful approach. Presidential security chief Park Jong-joon defended his team, who is charged with protecting the president within the scope of the law, rejecting claims of them turning into Yoon’s private army.
Legal Battle and Public Protests
The lawyers of Yoon have contested the legality of the detention and search warrants citing the laws on places associated with military secrets. The anti-corruption agency also crossed its boundary when it initiated the rebellion charge probe. On the other hand, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Yoon‘s house, calling for his arrest and ouster amid freezing temperatures.
Future Steps Up for Grabs
The anti-corruption agency may file a motion for the extension of detention warrant since its current detention warrant is expiring soon. The police will also review its request by the anti-corruption agency to detain Yoon in the future attempts. Yoon‘s legal team is set to file complaints with the anti-corruption agency, acting defense minister, and police chief for arbitrary acts done in the trial which led to its failure to detain Yoon.
Reinforcing Security Measures and Political Tensions
In anticipation of renewed efforts to arrest Yoon, the presidential security service has surrounded the house with barbed wire. Acting leader Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has yet to make a public statement about the situation, further heating up the political tensions in a polarized nation.
