On December 30, a South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is being impeached and suspended from power following the decision to impose martial law on December 3, according to information from the investigation agency.
South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office for Senior Officials (CIO) confirmed that the Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant requested by investigators in connection with Yoon's brief imposition of martial law. According to local media, this is the first time in South Korea's history that an arrest warrant has been issued for a sitting president.
The CIO did not comment on why the court approved the arrest warrant, while the court also declined to answer questions about it. It is unclear when and how the arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon will be executed.
The Presidential Security Service of South Korea said in a statement the same day that it would process the arrest warrant in accordance with legal procedures. The court also approved a search warrant for President Yoon's residence, according to CIO.
Police had earlier attempted to search the presidential office as part of the investigation but were prevented by the Presidential Security Service.
President Yoon is facing a criminal investigation over sedition charges, one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not enjoy immunity.
Acting leader of South Korea's ruling party, Kweon Seong-dong, said it was inappropriate to try to arrest a sitting president, according to Yonhap news agency.
