Sun Jan 05 06:43:40 UTC 2025: ## Impeached South Korean President Defies Arrest Warrant Amidst Nationwide Protests

**Seoul, South Korea –** Hundreds of South Koreans protested overnight into Sunday, demanding the arrest and ouster of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who continues to defy a court-ordered detention warrant. The warrant, issued last Tuesday, stems from Mr. Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law on December 3rd, which was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly. The Assembly subsequently impeached Mr. Yoon on December 14th on charges of rebellion.

An attempt by anti-corruption investigators and police to detain Mr. Yoon on Friday was thwarted by a five-hour standoff with his presidential security service at his Seoul residence. The security service, defying summonses, erected barbed wire around the residence over the weekend, suggesting further resistance to arrest. The one-week detention warrant expires on Monday.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading the investigation, has stated that detaining Mr. Yoon while he remains protected by his security detail is “virtually impossible.” They have urged the acting Prime Minister, Choi Sang-mok, to intervene, but he has yet to respond publicly.

Mr. Yoon’s legal team has filed complaints against the anti-corruption agency’s chief prosecutor and numerous investigators, claiming unlawful actions. They also filed complaints against the acting Defence Minister and police chief for failing to provide sufficient support during the failed detention attempt. The team argues that the warrants are unenforceable at the presidential residence due to laws protecting locations potentially linked to military secrets. They also dispute the agency’s authority to investigate rebellion charges.

Despite the failed attempt, opposition leader Park Chan-dae urged the agency to act swiftly, criticizing their perceived hesitancy. Meanwhile, pro- and anti-Yoon protests have taken place near the presidential residence, highlighting the deep political divisions within South Korea.

The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating on Mr. Yoon’s impeachment, ultimately deciding whether to uphold his removal from office or reinstate him. The situation remains tense, with the possibility of further legal challenges and protests in the coming days.

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