In an unprecedented legal move, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol following his impeachment and suspension earlier this month. The impeachment stemmed from Yoon’s controversial decision to impose martial law on December 3, 2024.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) confirmed that the warrant was approved by a Seoul court. The investigation team stated, “The arrest warrant and search warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, requested by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, were issued this morning.”
However, President Yoon’s legal team has challenged the legality of the warrant. His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, argued, “The arrest warrant and search and seizure warrant issued at the request of an agency without investigative authority are illegal and invalid.”
Investigators are seeking to question the ousted leader over allegations of abuse of power and orchestrating a rebellion during his short-lived martial law. This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that an arrest warrant has been issued for an incumbent president.
Local and international observers are closely monitoring the fallout from this historic development as South Korea navigates a politically volatile moment.
