Authorities in South Korea are preparing to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to a report by Yonhap news agency. The arrest comes amid growing protests outside his residence and a criminal investigation related to his attempted martial law declaration on December 3.
Yonhap reported that officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) have left their headquarters to execute the arrest warrant. This would be an unprecedented move for an incumbent South Korean president.
Police and Protesters Confrontation
In preparation for the potential arrest, around 2,800 police officers have been mobilized, as reported by broadcaster YTN. Protesters gathered near Yoon’s residence, demanding to block any attempt to arrest the president. It is unclear how the authorities will manage the arrest, especially considering the resistance from Yoon’s presidential security service, which has previously blocked investigators from accessing his office and residence.
Protesters Vow to Block Arrest
By early morning on Friday, approximately 100 protesters had gathered outside Yoon’s residence. Many chanted that they would block the arrest attempt “with their lives.” Tensions escalated as a dozen protesters attempted to prevent police officers from advancing towards the area.
Yoon has been under investigation for his short-lived attempt to declare martial law in December, which has led to this unprecedented move toward his potential arrest.
