South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a defiant message to his supporters, pledging to “fight until the end” as authorities move to arrest him for his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. Yoon, suspended from his presidential duties following his impeachment, faces allegations of insurrection in what could be a landmark case in South Korean history.
Rallying His Supporters
In a letter sent late Wednesday, Yoon expressed solidarity with hundreds of his supporters protesting outside his official residence. “I am watching on YouTube live all the hard work you are doing,” Yoon wrote, according to a photo of the letter shared by his lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon. “I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you.”
The opposition Democratic Party, which led the impeachment process on December 14, condemned the letter. “He remains delusional and committed to completing his insurrection,” party spokesman Jo Seoung-lae stated, accusing Yoon of inciting further unrest.
Arrest Warrant and Legal Challenges
A court approved a warrant for Yoon’s arrest on Tuesday, marking a potentially historic moment. If executed, Yoon would become the first sitting president to be detained in a criminal investigation. The warrant stems from allegations that Yoon masterminded an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law, a charge for which South Korean presidents do not have immunity.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), leading the joint investigation with police and prosecutors, has until January 6 to execute the warrant. However, questions remain about how and when the arrest will occur. Yoon’s presidential security service has so far blocked investigators from accessing his office and residence, raising doubts about the feasibility of the arrest.
Yoon’s legal team has denounced the arrest warrant as “illegal and invalid,” arguing that the CIO lacks the authority to issue such a request under South Korean law. Yoon Kab-keun, one of Yoon’s lawyers, warned that any attempt to detain the president could lead to clashes, saying, “Police officers could face arrest by the presidential security service or citizens if they act beyond their authority.”
Impeachment Trial and Potential Outcomes
While the arrest warrant looms, Yoon’s impeachment trial is underway at the Constitutional Court. The court is set to hold its second hearing on Friday. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president until the trial concludes.
If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a new presidential election within 60 days.
Broader Investigation and Military Implications
The investigation into Yoon’s martial law declaration has widened to include former Defense Minister and top military officers. The former minister, accused of recommending the martial law declaration, has been indicted on charges of insurrection and will face trial on January 16. Senior military officers responsible for the defense of Seoul have also been implicated.
