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South Korean anti-corruption investigators escalated their efforts on Monday by requesting the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a tense week in which their attempts to take him into custody were thwarted. Yoon, who has faced mounting scrutiny over his controversial attempt to impose martial law, continues to evade legal consequences, despite the persistent pursuit of justice by the investigative authorities.
Defying investigators, the former star prosecutor has chosen to remain holed up in his home, refusing to answer their questions. Following a failed arrest attempt last week, authorities found themselves unable to meet the Monday deadline of the arrest warrant, prompting them to seek additional support in an attempt to bring him into custody.
Amidst mounting difficulties in their efforts, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) has called on the police to take over the case, acknowledging their inability to make progress. Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal representatives have vehemently denied the CIO’s legal standing, asserting that they do not possess the requisite authority to arrest him.
“The validity of the warrant expires today. We plan to request an extension from the court today,” said CIO deputy director Lee Jae-seung in a briefing to reporters.
He further stated that consultations would take place with the police regarding the timing of the extension for the arrest warrant. However, the police have yet to respond to the request. Last week, investigators had a dramatic change of heart, halting their efforts due to safety concerns that emerged after a tense standoff lasting hours, involving hundreds of security forces.
Yoon could find himself facing prison time or, in a worst-case scenario, the death penalty if convicted of insurrection for briefly suspending civilian rule, an act that sparked South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades. However, despite the looming risks, both he and his supporters have shown an unwavering commitment to defiance, challenging the charges with persistence.
“The Presidential Security Service will protect the President, and we will protect the Presidential Security Service till midnight” when the warrant is set to expire, said Kim Soo-yong, 62, one of the protest organisers.
“If they get another warrant, we will come again.”
Read also: South Korea’s President Yoon Spared Arrest By Investigative Team
Under the fog of dawn, dozens of Yoon’s lawmakers from the People Power Party turned up in front of his presidential residence.
Police moved to block roads in anticipation of another day of protests, as dozens for and against Yoon from the previous day braved sub-zero conditions after camping out overnight.
“I’ve been here longer than the CIO now. It doesn’t make sense why they can’t do it. They need to arrest him immediately,” said anti-Yoon protest organiser Kim Ah-young, in her 30s.
The initial warrant was issued on the grounds that Yoon has refused to emerge for questioning over his martial law decree.
His lawyers have repeatedly said the warrant is “unlawful” and “illegal”, pledging to take further legal action against it.
The head of Yoon’s presidential security service also said Sunday he would not allow investigators to arrest the suspended president.
But the vibrant East Asian democracy will find itself in uncharted territory either way — its sitting president will have been arrested, or he would have evaded court-ordered detention.
