South Korean investigators warn anyone blocking Yoon’s arrest ‘could be prosecuted’

An official said the arrest warrant for the impeached president would be executed within a January 6 deadline

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Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol stage a rally near the presidential residence in Seoul on December 31. Photo: AP

Published: 10:10am, 1 Jan 2025Updated: 10:35am, 1 Jan 2025

South Korean investigators said on Wednesday they would execute an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk-yeol over his declaration of martial law by the deadline on January 6, as the impeached leader’s supporters rallied outside his residence.

Supporters and opponents of Yoon, who was suspended from office by lawmakers over his attempt to subvert civilian rule last month, have been camped outside the compound where he has been holed up for weeks, fending off investigators’ efforts to question him.

The Corruption Investigation Office requested the warrant after Yoon failed to report for questioning a third time, but it has been unclear whether they could execute it as the Presidential Security Service have previously refused to comply with search warrants.

CIO chief Oh Dong-woon said on Wednesday the warrant would be executed “within the deadline,” which is on Monday, January 6.

“We aim for a smooth process without major disturbances, but we are also coordinating to mobilise police and personnel in preparation,” he told reporters.

He also warned that anyone trying to block authorities from arresting Yoon could themselves face prosecution.