Security forces patrol near buses positioned to shield impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at his official residence in Seoul on January 8, 2025, amid preparations for a potential second attempt to arrest him. Reuters
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing heightened pressure as authorities prepare for a second attempt to arrest him on insurrection charges. This development comes after a court re-issued a warrant for Yoon’s arrest, intensifying the already volatile political climate. The embattled president, accused of declaring martial law on December 3, remains in a fortified presidential compound, defying summons for questioning.
Supporters and critics of Yoon have taken to the streets near the presidential residence despite freezing temperatures, staging demonstrations that highlight the deep divide in public opinion. Meanwhile, the Presidential Security Service (PSS) has strengthened the compound’s defenses, using barbed wire, barricades, and buses to secure the villa where Yoon is reportedly staying.
The head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), Oh Dong-woon, vowed on Tuesday to ensure the success of this second arrest attempt. Apologizing for the failed effort last Friday, which ended in a tense six-hour standoff, Oh expressed determination to make the next operation definitive. “We’ll do our best to accomplish our goal by thoroughly preparing this time,” Oh stated during a parliamentary hearing.
The failed arrest attempt highlighted the challenges of executing a warrant against a sitting president. Hundreds of PSS personnel, backed by military troops, formed a human blockade, preventing investigators from entering the compound. Armed guards and tense altercations underscored the standoff, forcing the CIO to retreat.
A barbed wire fence is placed in front of a locked gate at the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with fog surrounding the area, as media personnel record the scene in Seoul on January 6, 2025. Reuters
To counter these challenges, investigators are reportedly considering more aggressive measures, including deploying special tactical units and heavy machinery to dismantle barricades. Over 2,000 police officers may be mobilized to confront the PSS and its military reinforcements. While these scenarios have been discussed in local media, officials remain tight-lipped about their exact plans.
In addition to the criminal investigation, Yoon is also undergoing a separate trial in the Constitutional Court over his impeachment on December 14. Lawmakers argue that his late-night declaration of martial law violated constitutional duties, further escalating the political crisis.
The arrest warrant is part of an unprecedented investigation into a sitting president, and its execution would mark a significant moment in South Korea's political history. As tensions continue to rise, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability and governance.
