South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has agreed to appear at the office of investigators probing him for insurrection, after authorities entered his residence to arrest him on Wednesday.
Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, confirmed the decision on Facebook, stating, “President Yoon has decided to personally appear at the Corruption Investigation Office today.” He also mentioned that Yoon would address the public during his visit, reports AFP.
South Korean law enforcement officials entered the presidential compound in Seoul in their second attempt this month to enforce a court-issued detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon has been confined to his official residence in Hannam-dong for weeks.
The warrant stems from Yoon’s brief martial law declaration on December 3, during which troops blocked access to the National Assembly. The move, overturned within hours, prompted the opposition-dominated parliament to impeach him on December 14, suspending his presidential powers. Investigators are now examining whether Yoon’s actions constitute an attempted rebellion.
According to the Associated Press, more than 1,000 officers, including anti-corruption investigators and police, were mobilised for the operation. However, the presidential security service has heavily fortified the compound, citing its legal duty to protect Yoon. Barricades of buses and barbed wire hindered law enforcement’s access, although some officers were seen scaling barriers and negotiating entry with Yoon’s legal team.
Yoon’s lawyers argued the detention warrant is invalid, referencing laws protecting sites tied to military secrets. Meanwhile, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters and critics held competing protests near the residence—one side vowing to protect him, the other demanding his imprisonment.
If detained, Yoon could face formal arrest pending court approval. However, if investigators fail to act within 48 hours, he will be released. The Constitutional Court is also deliberating whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment or reinstate him.