Seoul: Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is resisting arrest for the third consecutive day after refusing to comply with authorities seeking to question him about his failed martial law attempt. His defiant stance comes after a controversial declaration in December that led to his impeachment, with the former president now facing potential arrest, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Yoon has remained unrepentant, even as the crisis surrounding his impeachment deepens. Despite hiding from authorities, he issued a message to his supporters, vowing to "fight" for the nation’s sovereignty. In a statement shared with protesters, Yoon said, “The Republic of Korea is currently in danger due to internal and external forces threatening its sovereignty, and the activities of anti-state elements.” He further pledged, "I vow to fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation." Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, confirmed the statement's authenticity.
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Political stand-off and legal challenges
Supporters and opponents of Yoon have gathered outside his presidential residence, with security forces blocking police attempts to arrest him. In the face of these tensions, Yoon’s legal team has filed for an injunction to block the arrest warrant, calling the order "an unlawful and invalid act." Meanwhile, Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) chief Oh Dong-woon warned that anyone obstructing Yoon’s arrest could face prosecution.
Opposition lawmakers have condemned Yoon’s refusal to cooperate, with Democratic Party spokesperson Jo Seoung-lae calling the former president "delusional" and accusing him of inciting clashes. Yoon has claimed the opposition is aligned with South Korea’s communist enemies, further escalating tensions in the country.
Martial law attempt and impeachment
Yoon's martial law order, which he claimed was intended to eliminate "anti-state elements," only lasted a few hours. The military intervention that followed was swiftly halted after protests, leading to Yoon being stripped of his presidential duties by parliament. Now facing criminal charges of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
As Yoon refuses to answer summonses for questioning, his supporters have flooded Seoul to show their support. On Wednesday evening, pro-Yoon protesters gathered in large numbers, holding anti-impeachment placards and chanting against the arrest. Their anger was directed at police, who had been attempting to enforce the arrest order.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether Yoon’s impeachment will stand. As the political crisis continues, the situation remains highly volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.
New leadership amidst ongoing turmoil
As Yoon faces mounting pressure, his successor, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to act on investigations related to Yoon’s presidency. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who took office last week, has vowed to restore stability in the country, even as he faces a major crisis of his own. Choi has appointed two new judges to the Constitutional Court in a move that has sparked controversy, with Yoon’s staff accusing him of overstepping his powers.
The political turmoil worsened after a tragic accident involving a Jeju Air flight, which crashed on Sunday, killing 179 people. The crash has added further strain to an already tense situation, as Choi’s government struggles to address both the political crisis and national tragedy simultaneously.
Agency
Published: 02 Jan 2025, 09:13 am IST
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