Standoff at impeached South Korean President's home amid arrest bid

South Korean Police officers arrived at impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's home in a bid to arrest him over his short-lived declaration of martial law in early December.

In Short

• Protesters try to block investigators outside impeached President’s home
• Investigators, police enter Yoon's compound on foot to serve arrest warrant
• Yoon Suk Yeol under investigation for December 3 martial law attempt

South Korean police on Friday arrived at the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to arrest him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. The arrest attempt led to a standoff in front of the presidential residence as hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside, vowing to protect him.

Reports also suggested a brief confrontation between the police officials who came to arrest Yoon and the Presidential Security Service (PSS).

Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading a joint team of investigators that includes the police and prosecutors, arrived at the gates of Yoon's compound around 7 am. The officials were able to enter the premises of the president's residence despite protests, news agency Reuters reported.

It remained uncertain whether the Presidential Security Service, which had previously obstructed investigators with a search warrant from accessing Yoon's office and official residence, would attempt to prevent his arrest. South Korean channels reported scuffles as investigators and police confronted the presidential security forces.

As news of the officials' attempt to arrest Yoon spread, protesters began gathering near his residence in the pre-dawn hours, with their numbers quickly swelling.

"We have to block them with our lives," a protester was quoted as saying.

Some chanted "President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people," and called for the head of the CIO to be arrested.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his December 3 martial law attempt that stunned South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and one of the region's most vibrant democracies. An arrest would be the first for an incumbent South Korean president.

Calling the developments "unlawful" action, Yoon's lawyer said that they will challenge the move, and said the agency’s efforts to detain Yoon were “reckless” and showed an “outrageous discard for law”.

Meanwhile, in another development on Friday, two South Korean military officials, including army chief Park An-su who was named martial law commander, have been indicted after being detained by prosecutors who are investigating insurrection charges.

On December 3, Yoon, apparently frustrated that his policies were blocked by an opposition-dominated parliament, declared martial law and dispatched troops to surround the National Assembly.

Parliament overturned the declaration within hours in an unanimous vote and impeached Yoon himself on December 14, while South Korean authorities opened a criminal investigation into the events. Yoon has remained defiant, ignoring requests for questioning and vowing to fight to remain in office. An arrest warrant for Yoon was issued by a court on December 31.