SEOUL, Jan 3: In a dramatic showdown on Friday, South Korean authorities’ attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol ended in failure after a tense six-hour standoff. Yoon is facing potential imprisonment or even the death penalty if convicted for his role in a controversial martial law declaration in early December.

The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), backed by approximately 2,700 police officers, surrounded Yoon’s residence with the intent to arrest him. However, their efforts were met with strong resistance from Yoon’s security team, while nearly a thousand pro-Yoon supporters gathered outside his official residence. After a series of clashes, the investigators eventually abandoned their attempt at 1:30 PM, citing safety concerns for their personnel on site.

This unprecedented event marks South Korea’s first-ever attempt to arrest a sitting president. The botched martial law imposition in December had already sparked political turmoil, damaging the local economy and straining diplomatic relations. Yoon’s suspension from office in mid-December briefly saw Prime Minister Han Duck-soo step in, but Han was also impeached soon after. Despite his impeachment, Yoon has defied calls to step down and remains in office, even signaling his intent to fight the charges in court.

On Thursday, the Corruption Investigation Office was blocked by soldiers and security personnel from entering the presidential compound. Around 200 soldiers formed a human barricade to obstruct the investigators’ progress. Despite having around 80 police officers accompanying the 20 investigators, their attempt to reach Yoon was thwarted. The standoff became physical, with “minor and major altercations” breaking out as vehicles and buses were strategically parked to block the investigators’ access.

The attempt to arrest Yoon came after he repeatedly refused requests to appear for questioning regarding his involvement in the martial law decision. At present, the arrest warrant’s deadline is set for Monday, and officials have indicated that they may attempt another arrest after a review of the situation. For now, Yoon remains defiant, continuing to fight against authorities seeking to question him. His security service, which continues to protect him as the country’s sitting head of state, has previously thwarted similar attempts by police to raid the presidential office.

While the Constitutional Court proceeds with hearings to confirm Yoon’s impeachment — a process that could take weeks or months — investigators are concurrently exploring criminal charges related to insurrection. The uncertainty surrounding his future continues to cast a shadow over the nation’s political landscape.