A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol, the country’s impeached president, following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month. The warrant was requested by the Corruption Investigation Office after Yoon failed to respond to three summonses for questioning. This marks an unprecedented event in South Korean history, as no sitting president has ever faced arrest before.
Yoon’s decision to impose martial law on December 3, which was abruptly rescinded after nationwide protests, has plunged the country into a deep political crisis. Following his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, the Constitutional Court is currently assessing the constitutionality of the legislative action. In the meantime, the political leadership has been in flux, with Choi Sang Mok assuming the role of acting president after the impeachment of the previous acting president, Han Duck Soo.
The arrest warrant has ignited further controversy as Yoon’s security team has refused investigators access to the presidential office and official residence, citing military security concerns. This resistance has drawn criticism and raised questions about the government’s transparency and accountability.
Yoon, however, remains defiant, accusing his political opponents of being “anti-state forces” and insisting that his martial law declaration was a necessary move to protect the nation. His actions, widely condemned both domestically and internationally, have left South Korea in a precarious political position.
