Arrest warrant issued for impeached South Korean president as political crisis deepens

A South Korean court has granted arrest warrants to detain the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The warrants also include the authorization to search his office and residence. This action comes amidst a criminal investigation into the martial law decree that Yoon passed earlier this month.

This marks a significant moment in South Korean history, as it is the first time a sitting president of the country is facing the prospect of arrest. The decision follows a period of intense political unrest in South Korea, a crucial U.S. ally and Asia’s fourth-largest economy. The country is further grappling with the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that claimed the lives of 179 individuals on Sunday.

The Seoul Western District Court has issued warrants for the detention of Yoon Suk Yeol and the search of his presidential office and residence in central Seoul. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military authorities, is spearheading the joint investigation into the allegations.

South Korea's Yoon

A South Korean court approved arrest warrants on Tuesday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Lawmakers then submitted a motion to impeach the president over his martial law declaration, with the leader of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hun, criticizing the martial law declaration as “unconstitutional.”

After declaring martial law, Yoon sent hundreds of troops and police officers to the parliament to try to impede its vote on the decree before they withdrew after the parliament rejected it. No major violence occurred but public protests swelled in both opposition and in support of Yoon.

The National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14, during which hundreds of troops and police officers were deployed at the assembly.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who took over from Yoon as acting president, has also been impeached by parliament after he failed to fill three justice seats at the nine-member constitutional court. Yoon can only be removed from office if his impeachment is upheld by the court.

Experts say that adding more justices could increase the chances of Yoon’s impeachment as that requires support from at least six justices. The next hearing in Yoon’s Constitutional Court case is scheduled for Friday.

South Korea memorial

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok places a flower for the victims on a plane which skidded off a runway and burst into flames, at a memorial altar at Muan sport park in Muan, South Korea, on Dec. 30, 2024.  (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned as Yoon’s defense minister after playing a major role in the martial law decree, has been detained and was indicted on Friday on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

New acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting investigating the Jeju Air disaster. The Boeing 737-800 plane landed without its front landing gear deployed, overshot the runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball. 

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

You May Also Like
Mystery as Catholic priest shot dead at church rectory by old man

Elderly man shoots and kills Catholic priest at church rectory in a perplexing incident

An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal…
Kansas Catholic priest dies after being shot at his church's rectory, leaving parish in 'state of shock'

Catholic priest in Kansas dies from gunshot wound at church residence, causing shock among parishioners

A Catholic priest was tragically killed in Kansas after being shot at…
Heir, 22, 'murdered his mother at sea'. Cops couldn't find a boat or her body... and his lawyer says he can prove he was innocent

A 22-year-old heir is accused of killing his mother on a boat at sea, but authorities have not located the boat or her body. His attorney believes he can demonstrate his client’s innocence.

Back in September 2016, Nathan Carman, a 22-year-old, together with his mother…
Jefferson Griffin vs Allison Riggs Decision | North Carolina judges rule in favor of Republican candidate in Supreme Court race

“North Carolina Supreme Court Race: Republican Candidate Jefferson Griffin Prevails Over Democrat Allison Riggs”

RALEIGH, N.C. — An appeals court in North Carolina ruled in favor…
New 'smoking gun' bombshell that could destroy Blake Lively's claims: Justin Baldoni celebrating 'significant' discovery

Justin Baldoni’s Exciting Discovery Could Challenge Blake Lively’s Claims

Blake Lively may soon regret the day she casually joked about squeezing…
Iran mulls preemptive strike on US base after Trump bomb threats

Spokesperson for Iranian leader calls for shooting bullets at Trump’s head

A newspaper known for expressing the views of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali…
Pete Hegseth Headed Off to See If Panama Wants the Whip or Carrot in Critical Meetings

Pete Hegseth to Hold Important Meetings in Panama to Gauge Support

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing for a trip to Panama in…
Daniel Krug, Broomfield, CO man, accused of killing wife Kristil Krug after sending texts purporting to be from ex-boyfriend

Broomfield, CO Resident, Daniel Krug, Allegedly Murdered His Wife Kristil Krug After Falsely Sending Text Messages Claiming to be Her Ex-Boyfriend

In BROOMFIELD, Colo., during the final weeks of her life, Kristil Krug…
Virginia school board member sued for allegedly embezzling $175K for strip clubs, vacations, campaign expenses

School board official from Virginia accused of stealing $175,000 for strip clubs, trips, and political campaign costs.

A member of the Fairfax County School Board in Virginia has been…
Teen stabber makes outrageous demand after 'knifing football star, 17,' who died in his twin brother's arms

Teen demands after fatally stabbing 17-year-old football player in front of his twin brother

Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony has recently come forward with a bold request following…
When Does ‘Landman’ Return With New Episodes? ‘Landman’ Season 2 Casting Update

When will new episodes of ‘Landman’ be back? A casting update for Season 2 of ‘Landman’.

This week brought exciting news for fans of Taylor Sheridan’s popular Paramount+…
Pro-life activist left bloody after being punched in the face by enraged woman over abortion

“A pro-life activist assaulted during a passionate dispute about abortion”

A Catholic pro-life activist was viciously punched by an angry woman during…