South Korean authorities have been unable to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol due to a tense security standoff. The incident which unfolded late last night, had left the nation in a state of increased tension and uncertainty.
The standoff began around 10:00 PM (KST) on January 2, 2025, when law enforcement officers stormed Yoon’s residence in Seoul to execute the arrest warrant. The former president, who was impeached last month on charges of corruption and abuse of power, had been under house arrest pending further legal proceedings.
Upon arrival, the officers were met with a formidable security detail loyal to Yoon who refused to allow the arrest to proceed. The situation quickly escalated as both sides engaged in a heated confrontation, with eyewitnesses reporting seeing heavily armed guards and police officers in a standoff that lasted for several hours.
Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the authorities did not succeed in breaching the security perimeter. The standoff continued into the early hours of January 3, with no resolution in sight.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has since issued a statement condemning the obstruction of justice and vowing to take all necessary measures to ensure Yoon’s arrest.
The public reaction has been immediate and polarized. On one hand, Yoon’s supporters have praised the security detail for protecting him, but on the other hand, critics have argued that the standoff undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous example.
