South Korean Yoon Suk Yeol could be arrested as early as today, January 2, after a Seoul court approved a warrant to arrest him on December 31, 2024.
The arrest warrant is related to allegations that Mr. Yoon planned to declare martial law on December 3, 2024, and abused his power. If arrested, he would become the first sitting South Korean president to face detention.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is leading the investigation, working with the police and the Ministry of National Defense. They requested the arrest warrant after Mr. Yoon refused three summonses for questioning. The warrant is valid until January 6, and the CIO has promised to execute it before that date.
While arrest warrants are typically executed quickly, in Mr. Yoon’s case, the CIO is considering the timing and method of execution to avoid major disruption. Presidential security forces have previously blocked investigators from accessing Mr. Yoon’s residence and office on security grounds. This warrant includes search powers, bypassing restrictions on locations containing military secrets or official documents.
CIO Director Oh Dong-woon called for cooperation from security forces and warned that any obstruction could be considered a breach of duty and obstruction of official duty. If Yoon is arrested, he will be taken to the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon for questioning before being detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang. After Yoon is arrested, the CIO will have 48 hours to decide whether to continue to request a formal detention warrant or release him.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yoon sent a letter on the evening of January 1 to call for support from the people. He wrote: "I will fight to the end to protect this country with you." The letter was sent to hundreds of supporters gathered near his residence.
However, the opposition Democratic Party, which led the impeachment process against Mr. Yoon, accused him of inciting confrontation and viewed his actions as an attempt to incite riots. Spokesman Jo Seoung-lae said Mr. Yoon was “delusional” and continued to pursue dangerous goals.
In addition, Yoon's impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court is still ongoing. The second hearing is scheduled for January 3. During Yoon's suspension, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will serve as acting president. If the Constitutional Court approves the impeachment, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.
