Investigators in South Korea have requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is under scrutiny for his brief declaration of martial law.
Yoon failed to appear for questioning despite multiple summons, deepening the country’s political crisis.
Earlier this month, Yoon suspended civilian rule, plunging South Korea into its most significant political turmoil in decades. Parliament subsequently stripped him of his presidential duties, although a constitutional court has yet to decide on finalizing his impeachment.
Yoon faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. He has ignored three summonses for questioning, including the latest deadline on Sunday.
“The Joint Investigation Headquarters filed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol with the Seoul Western District Court,” investigators said in a statement. This marks the first attempt in South Korean history to detain a president before completing impeachment proceedings.
Yoon’s legal team has called the arrest warrant “unjustified,” arguing it was filed by an unauthorized body and violated the Criminal Procedure Act.
His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, further asserted that an incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power.
A leaked prosecutors’ report claims Yoon authorized the use of force, including firearms, during his attempt to impose martial law. The report details Yoon’s alleged orders to military leaders, including instructions to forcibly enter parliament and remove lawmakers.
“Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting,” Yoon allegedly told the capital defense command chief, according to the report. Discussions about declaring martial law reportedly began as early as March.
Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing the need to eliminate “anti-state elements.” His announcement was immediately countered by lawmakers, who convened to revoke the declaration. Heavily armed troops stormed the National Assembly during the proceedings, scaling fences, breaking windows, and landing by helicopter.
As investigations intensified, prosecutors faced resistance when attempting to search Yoon’s offices, blocked by the presidential security team.
Meanwhile, political instability has worsened with the impeachment of Yoon’s acting replacement, Han Duck-soo, for failing to approve bills related to the investigations.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as acting president amidst the additional crisis of the Jeju Air crash, which claimed 179 lives.
