South Korean officials tried to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol for interrogation on insurgency charges by breaking into his property. However, as the high-stakes scenario played out, they seemed to be at conflict with the president’s personal security team inside the mansion after removing crowds of fans who were trying to obstruct their way.
It was the most recent action taken by authorities to hold Mr. Yoon responsible for the brief martial law he imposed last month, which caused a political crisis in the nation.
Mr. Yoon, who was impeached by Parliament last month, has refused to come in for questioning despite repeated requests from the investigators, claiming that he had the authority to impose military rule on his nation for the first time in forty-five years.
On Friday, Mr. Yoon’s attorneys reiterated their claim that the attempt to hold him was unlawful.
Supporters who had spent the night camping out on a nearby pavement exploded in rage as the motorcade bringing the officials with the detention warrant neared Mr. Yoon’s home Friday morning. They shouted, “Today is the day!” and waved flags. We’ll win! Let’s keep Yoon Suk Yeol safe.
The demonstrators attempted to block the officials from getting to Mr. Yoon’s home in a hilly area of downtown Seoul, but the police used barricades to keep them at bay.
Shortly after 8 a.m., the officials were permitted to enter Mr. Yoon’s home’s enclosure through the white steel gate, but as of 9:20 a.m., there was no indication that he was being held. TV footage showed a brief altercation between police officers and what looked to be officials stationed inside the gate.
Investigators responded to the growing demonstrations outside Yoon’s house by issuing a strong warning to anyone trying to thwart the arrest warrant’s execution.
This comes after Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and legal issues caused a great deal of political stress. As they attempt to complete their investigation within the allotted time, authorities have made it plain that any interference with the arrest will result in legal consequences.
