South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Faces Arrest Deadline After Martial Law Controversy

President Yoon Suk Yeol remains in his residence as investigators struggle to enforce a detention warrant linked to his brief imposition of martial law.

President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached on December 14, 2024, after declaring and quickly rescinding martial law, sparking allegations of rebellion and abuse of power.
Investigators attempted to detain Yoon on January 3 but were blocked by his presidential security service, which has fortified his residence with barriers and military personnel.
The detention warrant, valid until January 6, has led to protests in Seoul, with both anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon demonstrators braving freezing temperatures near his residence.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has been urged to order the presidential security service to comply with the warrant, but he has yet to take action publicly.
The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to uphold Yoon's impeachment, with a decision expected by mid-2025, while his legal team challenges the validity of the arrest warrant.