An intense six-hour standoff between South Korean police and the security detail of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol ended without an arrest, as law enforcement was forced to retreat.
The operation, involving approximately 150 officers, faced resistance from two fronts: a large crowd of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence and a formidable security team within the premises.
Authorities were executing an arrest warrant issued earlier in the week after Yoon failed to comply with three subpoenas for questioning. He is under investigation for alleged abuse of power and incitement of insurrection tied to his attempt to impose martial law in early December.
The attempted arrest began early Friday morning, with police vans lining the streets of central Seoul. By 8:00 AM local time, a task force comprising officers and members of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) approached Yoon’s residence. Initially consisting of 20 personnel, the team quickly expanded to 150. Despite their numbers, they were overwhelmed by the opposition.
While some officers managed to enter the residence, they encountered a tense standoff with Yoon’s presidential security team and a military unit tasked with protecting Seoul. The presidential security officers, though still obligated to protect Yoon despite his suspension, physically blocked the arrest attempt.
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A Seoul Joint Chiefs of Staff official confirmed a confrontation occurred, complicating the situation. “The arrest was deemed practically unfeasible,” stated the CIO, which has been probing Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law.
Had the operation succeeded, Yoon would have been the first sitting South Korean president arrested.
The CIO expressed disappointment over Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with legal proceedings, labeling it “regrettable.” They announced that their next steps would be determined following a review of the failed attempt.
Outside the residence, Yoon’s supporters celebrated the withdrawal of law enforcement, chanting slogans like “We won!” and carrying signs reminiscent of protests in the United States.
The safety of personnel on the ground was cited as a key reason for the CIO’s decision to abort the arrest. Meanwhile, the presidential security service accused the CIO and police of trespassing and claimed some of their staff were injured during the operation.
