Historic Arrest Warrant Issued for South Korean President Amid Political Turmoil

In a historic move, a South Korean court has issued warrants to detain impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and search his office. This unprecedented decision follows Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law earlier this month, which has plunged the nation into its most significant political crisis in decades.

The Seoul Western District Court approved the warrants after the Joint Investigation Headquarters requested them, citing allegations of insurrection and abuse of power against Yoon. Yoon, who has been suspended from his duties since December 14 following a National Assembly vote for his impeachment, faces possible life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

Yoon's brief imposition of martial law on December 3 led to widespread political turmoil, halting high-level diplomacy and rattling financial markets. Despite repeated requests by investigative authorities, Yoon has refused to appear for questioning or allow searches of his office.

The court's decision marks the first time South Korean authorities have sought to detain a sitting president. The anti-corruption agency investigating Yoon's actions has no immediate plans on how to proceed with the court-issued warrants, given the potential for clashes with the presidential security service.