Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a defiant message to his conservative supporters gathered outside his Seoul residence, pledging to “fight to the end” against what he described as “anti-state forces.” This declaration comes as law enforcement prepares to detain him in connection with last month’s martial law decree.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials has one week to act on a detainment warrant issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday. The warrant follows Yoon’s refusal to comply with multiple summons for questioning and his obstruction of searches at his office, which have impeded the investigation into whether his brief power grab on December 3 constituted rebellion.
Oh Dong-woon, the chief prosecutor of the anti-corruption agency, has suggested that police forces may be deployed if Yoon’s security team resists his detention, which could happen as early as Thursday. However, it remains uncertain whether Yoon can be forced to submit to questioning.
Addressing hundreds of supporters outside his residence on Wednesday evening, Yoon vowed to continue fighting against “anti-state forces” that he claimed were “violating our sovereignty” and endangering the nation. He praised his supporters for defending the country’s “liberal democracy and constitutional order” and acknowledged watching their protests via live YouTube broadcasts, as revealed in a message shared by his lawyers.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which initiated the Dec. 14 legislative vote to impeach Yoon over his martial law decree, accused him of mobilizing supporters to obstruct his detention. They urged law enforcement to promptly execute the warrant.
On Thursday morning, a growing number of Yoon’s supporters gathered near his residence amid a heavy police presence. Waving South Korean and American flags and holding signs against his impeachment, they demonstrated their opposition.
Yoon’s legal team has contested the validity of the court-issued detainment warrant, arguing that the anti-corruption agency lacks jurisdiction over rebellion charges. They further claim the court bypassed laws requiring the consent of officials in charge before seizing locations tied to military secrets.
Experts suggest the anti-corruption agency, which is collaborating with police and military authorities, may avoid a confrontation with Yoon’s security team, which has pledged to provide lawful protection. If unable to enforce the warrant by Jan. 6, the agency may issue another summons for Yoon’s appearance.
Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended following his Dec. 14 impeachment, which was prompted by his brief imposition of martial law. The move has since sparked political turmoil, stalled high-level diplomacy, and unsettled financial markets. His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to uphold the impeachment, formally removing him from office, or to reinstate him. At least six of the court’s nine justices must vote in favor to end Yoon’s presidency.
Last week, the National Assembly also impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had served as acting president after Yoon’s suspension, citing his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of Yoon’s case review.
Under mounting pressure, interim leader Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok appointed two new justices on Tuesday, potentially increasing the likelihood of the court upholding Yoon’s impeachment.
