South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol addresses the nation at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea on December 14, 2024.
South Korean Presidential Office Getty Images News | getty images
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol may become the country’s first sitting president to face arrest after a court issued a warrant against him, domestic media reports.
Seoul Western District Court issued a detention warrant against Yoon, korea times reported, then failed to appear for questioningDespite multiple subpoenas by South Korea’s police and the Joint Investigation Unit of the Corruption Investigation Office for high-ranking officials.
The warrant gives the CIO the authority to detain Yoon for questioning within 48 hours.
Why did the current President’s lawyer Said Investigating allegations of rebellion is beyond the jurisdiction of the CIO. Citing security concerns, the Presidential Security Service has blocked access to the presidential office complex and Yun’s official residence, according to the news agency. Yonhap,
South Korean presidents are not immune from charges of rebellion or treason. Furthermore, according to CIO chief Oh Dong-woon, presidents are not allowed to obstruct court-issued detention or arrest warrants.
Yoon is facing charges related to Announcement Emergency martial law was imposed on 3 December, which he said was necessary to protect the Constitution. He lifted martial law within six hours after the country’s National Assembly voted To reverse his order.
Yun was impeached by lawmakers on December 14, with members of his People’s Power Party voting in favor of the motion. there was a vote earlier fail To reach a two-thirds majority.
According to reports, South Korea’s constitutional court has begun proceedings to determine whether Yoon should be removed from office or reinstated. YonhapIt will give its decision within 180 days from December 14.
While the impeachment has suspended Yun from his duties and powers as head of state, he will remain president while the Constitutional Court deliberates on his case.
Following Yun’s impeachment, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo applied for the role of President.
However, Han was also Impeachment Last week. He was accused by the opposition Democratic Party of being reluctant to immediately appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chio Sang-mok, became acting president on 27 December following Han’s impeachment.
— CNBC’s Ruxandra Iordache and Hakyung Kim contributed to this report.
Correction: An earlier version of this report misspelled the name of the President of South Korea.
