South Korea investigators seek extension of arrest warrant for president
GuardianDEC 24 2024
South Korea Seeks to Extend Arrest Warrant for Impeached President
Above: A member of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) speaks to the media outside the residence of impeached Pres. Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Jan. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Anthony Wallace/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
South Korean investigators requested an extension of the arrest warrant for impeached Pres. Yoon Suk Yeol, which was set to expire at midnight on Monday.
The Corruption Investigation Office failed to serve the initial arrest warrant on Friday after being blocked by presidential security service guards who formed a human chain to prevent access to Yoon.
Yoon faces criminal investigation for possible insurrection following his six-hour martial law declaration on Dec. 3, which led to his impeachment by parliament on Dec. 14.
The Spin
Left narrative
South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office has a legal obligation to uphold the arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol for insurrection, charges for which the president has no immunity. The failure to arrest him undermines not only the rule of law but Korea's international reputation. Yoon has already evaded several attempts to question him, suggesting he's likely exploiting legal loopholes. After Yoon is arrested, the courts must investigate everyone involved in this embarrassing legal debacle.
Right narrative
The Democratic Party of Korea seems to be playing politics rather than following the law. After accusing Yoon of the most serious charge one could face, the party has now dropped it to expedite his impeachment for political gain. It appears they accused him of insurrection to rally support and are now revealing their true aim — to push for an early election favoring their leader, Lee Jae-myung. The Korean people deserve a clear understanding of what's actually transpiring.