A South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday (December 31), following his impeachment and suspension due to his decision to impose martial law, authorities reported.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) confirmed that the Seoul Western District Court granted the warrant, which had been requested by investigators looking into Yoon’s brief implementation of martial law.
The warrant grants the CIO authority to detain Yoon for questioning within 48 hours.
Yoon’s Legal Team Challenges Warrant
Yoon’s legal team announced plans to seek an injunction from the Constitutional Court to halt the warrant’s execution. According to a Yonhap report, a representative for Yoon argued that the warrant was “illegal and invalid,” claiming that investigating insurrection charges fell outside the CIO’s jurisdiction.
In addition, a separate warrant permits the CIO to search Yoon’s residence. However, citing security concerns, the Presidential Security Service has blocked access to both the presidential office compound and Yoon’s official residence, as reported by Yonhap.
A separate warrant also authorizes the CIO to search Yoon’s residence. However, the Presidential Security Service has blocked access to both the presidential office compound and Yoon’s official residence, citing security concerns.
South Korean presidents are not immune from charges of insurrection or treason. Additionally, they are not permitted to obstruct a court-issued detention or arrest warrant, as stated by CIO Chief Oh Dong-woon.
Yoon Faces Charges Over Martial Law
Yoon is facing charges over his declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, which he defended as necessary to safeguard the constitution. He revoked the martial law within six hours after the National Assembly voted to overturn his decree.
On December 14, lawmakers impeached Yoon, with members of his People Power Party supporting the motion. A prior vote had failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has started proceedings to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. A ruling is expected within 180 days, beginning on December 14, according to Yonhap.
