Attempt to Arrest Suspended South Korean President Fails After Six-Hour Standoff

• South Korean authorities called off arrest attempt on suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol after a six-hour standoff.
• Investigators cite safety concerns and Yoon’s refusal to comply with legal processes as key reasons for halting the arrest.
• Yoon’s supporters celebrated the suspension, chanting victory outside the presidential residence.

South Korean investigators have abandoned their attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol following a dramatic six-hour standoff outside his residence.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which has been probing Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law, cited practical and safety concerns as reasons for standing down.

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“We’ve determined that the arrest is practically impossible,” the CIO said in a statement, calling Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with legal proceedings “deeply regrettable.”

Supporters of Yoon, who have been stationed outside his residence for days, celebrated the announcement, chanting, “We won!” amid scenes of song and dance.

The standoff began early in the morning, as dozens of police vehicles and a team of 20 officers and CIO members approached Yoon’s compound in central Seoul.

The group quickly grew to about 150 people, with some managing to enter the premises. However, they were met with resistance from Yoon’s security team and a military unit tasked with protecting Seoul, both of which remain responsible for his safety despite his suspension.

Negotiations between Yoon’s security team and the CIO continued for hours before the operation was officially called off. The CIO acknowledged concerns for the safety of their personnel as another factor influencing their decision.

The investigators have until January 6 to execute the current arrest warrant or apply for a new one.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team is preparing to challenge the validity of the warrant.

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Yoon faces allegations related to his martial law declaration, and prosecutors have already indicted Army Chief Park An-su and Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-geun on insurrection charges.

Yoon has ignored three summonses for questioning over the past two weeks, further complicating the legal battle surrounding his case.

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