Possible new attempt on Sunday to arrest suspended president in South Korea

On Friday, a first attempt to arrest Yoon failed. South Korean Anti-Corruption Bureau (CIO) investigators were stopped at the suspended president’s home by an army unit and members of the presidential security service. After almost six hours they retreated.

The arrest warrant against Yoon is valid until Monday evening. If he can be captured, investigators will have 48 hours to question him and decide whether to release him or seek a warrant for his arrest.

Many supporters gathered at Yoon’s house on Sunday, despite the freezing cold and snowfall. Opponents also want to demonstrate on Sunday.

President Yoon Suk-yeol announced martial law in his country on the night of December 3 to 4, much to the surprise of many. A few hours later, the head of state had to withdraw martial law again under pressure from parliament and street protests. He was impeached by parliament on December 14. He will officially remain president until the Constitutional Court confirms parliament’s decision.

Meanwhile, a report from the prosecutor’s office shows that Yoon ignored protests from three ministers in his attempt to impose martial law. “The economy will face great difficulties and I fear for our international credibility,” Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is said to have said.

The suspended president himself is also launching a counterattack. His lawyer said legal action would be taken Monday against some 150 law enforcement officials seeking to arrest him, including the head of the anti-corruption agency.