3-1-2025 (SEOUL) Anti-corruption investigators found themselves in a tense standoff whilst attempting to serve an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol at his Seoul residence.
The dramatic scenes unfolded when approximately 80 officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police forces descended upon the presidential compound in the early hours. Their attempts to execute the warrant were met with fierce resistance from the presidential security detail, resulting in a prolonged five-and-a-half-hour confrontation.
At approximately 10:00, investigators managed to penetrate two security cordons but encountered steadfast opposition at the main building’s entrance. The head of presidential security flatly rejected the warrant’s presentation, citing national security protocols as justification.
The extraordinary move to arrest a sitting president stems from President Yoon’s contentious martial law declaration last month. Following parliamentary action to strip his presidential authority and mounting allegations of insurrection, Yoon has found himself at the centre of a serious investigation.
Despite biting winter conditions, throngs of Yoon loyalists assembled outside the compound, brandishing placards that denounced the CIO’s actions as treasonous. The supporters maintained their vigil throughout the morning, demanding the investigators themselves face arrest.
The operation reached its conclusion at 13:30 when CIO officials announced they were suspending their arrest attempt, pointing to the ongoing confrontation as the primary factor in their withdrawal.
