South Korea investigating authorities have begun attempting to arrest President Yoon

Members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials gather in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s official residence, as Yoon faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant for his arrest, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

South Korean investigating authorities have begun attempting to arrest Yoon Suk Yeol. 

Earlier, Yonhap news agency reported that investigators are en route to execute an arrest warrant against Yoon.

Yoon previously told supporters in a letter he will “fight until the end” as he faces an attempt by authorities to arrest him over his short-lived imposition of martial law last month.

Police on Thursday also scuffled with Yoon supporters who laid down in the road to try to block access to his residence. Police issued dispersal orders and then forcibly removed some protesters, Reuters journalists said.

Yoon shocked the country with a late-night announcement on Dec. 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out “anti-state forces.”

Within hours, however, 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police and voted against Yoon’s order. About six hours after his initial decree, Yoon rescinded it.

On Tuesday, a court approved a warrant for Yoon’s arrest, which potentially would make him the first sitting president to be detained as part of investigations over allegations he masterminded insurrection by trying to impose martial law.

—Reuters