The South Korean High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Department (Corruption Investigation Office) initiated the procedure to execute the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol on the morning of the 3rd, leading to a standoff with military police inside the presidential residence that lasted nearly 5 hours. Investigation authorities later decided to suspend the execution of the arrest.
The Chief of the Presidential Security Office had earlier refused to comply with the execution of the arrest warrant on the grounds of "not allowing a search of the residence," creating a tense atmosphere at the scene.
Yoon Suk-yeol's lawyer stated that the arrest warrant is illegal.
The Emergency Martial Law Task Force of the Corruption Investigation Office arrived at the front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul at around 7:21 AM on the 3rd, and after clearing roadblocks, they entered the residence at around 8:02 AM. There were 150 personnel involved in the execution of the arrest warrant, including 30 from the Corruption Investigation Office and 120 from the special investigation unit of the police; of these, 80 had entered the residence, while the remaining 70 stood by outside.
The "Joint Investigation Headquarters" of South Korea stated in the afternoon that based on the current situation, it is not possible to execute the arrest warrant against the suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol, and they have decided to suspend the execution of the arrest. Investigators have left the presidential residence.
● Investigators: Regrettable that Suspect Does Not Cooperate with Legal Procedures
The "Joint Investigation Headquarters" issued a statement saying that due to the ongoing standoff, it is currently assessed that it is practically impossible to execute the arrest warrant; considering the safety of the personnel on site, the execution was suspended at around 1:30 PM local time, and subsequent measures will be decided after further study. The Corruption Investigation Office deeply regrets the suspect's attitude of not cooperating with legal procedures.
The "Joint Investigation Headquarters" was jointly established by the South Korean National Police Agency, the Corruption Investigation Office, and the Ministry of National Defense.
On the 31st of last month, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk-yeol on grounds of alleged insurrection and abuse of power, along with a search warrant for the presidential residence. This is the first time in South Korea's constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been issued for a sitting president.