A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk-yeol, relating to his controversial declaration of martial law. The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrant on Tuesday, following a request from the Joint Investigation Headquarters, which includes officers from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), the police, and the Ministry of Defense. Yoon is accused of rebellion and the abuse of power.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-gyun, has called the warrant “illegal and unacceptable,” arguing that the CIO does not have the authority to investigate rebellion charges against the president.
Political and Legal Crisis
The issuance of the warrant has deepened South Korea’s political crisis. Yoon, who was suspended by the National Assembly on December 14 with a vote of 204-85, declared martial law briefly on December 3, citing “state-enemy forces” and opposition obstruction. This move faced severe criticism and led to protests across the country.
Yoon’s lawyer reiterated that the warrant is “illegal and unacceptable,” claiming that the CIO does not have the jurisdiction to investigate rebellion charges against a sitting president.
Under South Korean law, sitting presidents are typically immune from prosecution for most crimes, except for rebellion or treason. If Yoon is convicted of rebellion, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Security Concerns
The timing of Yoon’s potential arrest remains unclear, as authorities are coordinating with his security team. Yoon’s security detail had previously blocked the enforcement of search warrants at his official residence and presidential office.
The Presidential Security Service stated that it would handle the warrant according to legal procedures. However, South Korean media speculates that the likelihood of an immediate arrest is low.
Increasing Leadership Crisis
The crisis has escalated further as the opposition-controlled National Assembly impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday, accusing him of failing to appoint three constitutional court judges. As a result, presidential powers have now been transferred to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.
The Constitutional Court has six months to decide on Yoon’s impeachment. If the court upholds the decision, Yoon will be permanently removed from office; otherwise, he will be reinstated.
The opposition, led by the Democratic Party, has defended its actions, asserting that Yoon’s declaration of martial law violated democratic principles. However, Yoon defended his decision, claiming that it was legal and necessary to address alleged threats.
