South Korean police asked to execute arrest warrant for impeached president

Mon Jan 06 02:07:11 UTC 2025: ## South Korean Police to Take Over Impeached President’s Arrest

**Seoul, South Korea –** South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has requested that police take over the execution of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a failed attempt on Friday. The warrant, which expires at midnight Monday (1500 GMT), stems from allegations that Mr. Yoon orchestrated an insurrection with the short-lived imposition of martial law last month.

Presidential guards previously blocked investigators with a human chain, prompting the CIO’s request. While the CIO lacks the authority to prosecute the President, it must refer the case to prosecutors after questioning. Mr. Yoon’s legal team has challenged the CIO’s jurisdiction over insurrection charges and unsuccessfully sought to invalidate the arrest warrant. A Seoul court dismissed their injunction on Sunday.

This action comes amid heightened political tension, coinciding with a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reaffirm the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Blinken’s visit follows the political turmoil caused by Mr. Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which drew criticism from Washington. A police official confirmed that the request from the CIO is under review.