Police Engage in Standoff with Guards at Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's Residence in Seoul

South Korean police engaged in a tense standoff with presidential security forces at the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. This confrontation marked the second attempt by law enforcement to detain Yoon, following his imposition of martial law last month. The operation could involve over a thousand officers and anti-corruption investigators, potentially lasting several days.

Yoon justified his martial law declaration as necessary governance against an obstructive opposition. He vowed to resist efforts to remove him from power. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and police are investigating whether Yoon's brief martial law on December 3 was an attempted rebellion. They promised more decisive action after initial attempts were blocked on January 3.

Security Forces and Legal Challenges

The presidential security service has fortified Yoon's residence with barbed wire and buses, despite a court warrant for his detention. They insist on protecting the impeached president. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok urged both sides to avoid physical clashes as tensions rose.

Police officers, dressed in black jackets, were seen near the compound's closed gate. Some officers managed to enter the residence using ladders to climb over barricades. Yoon's lawyers argue that the detention warrant from the Seoul Western District Court is invalid, citing laws protecting locations linked to military secrets.

Political and Public Reactions

Yoon's supporters and critics held opposing protests near his residence, with one side defending him and the other demanding his imprisonment. Hundreds of police officers monitored the situation closely, setting up perimeters with buses. Lawmakers from Yoon's People Power Party were seen arguing with officials at the gate.

Yoon's top aide pleaded with law enforcement to abandon their efforts to detain him, suggesting questioning at a different location. However, Yoon Kab-keun, one of his lawyers, stated there are no immediate plans for questioning. If detained, Yoon could be formally arrested or released after 48 hours.

Martial Law Declaration and Impeachment

Yoon declared martial law on December 3, deploying troops around the National Assembly. The measure lasted only hours before lawmakers lifted it. His presidential powers were suspended when the assembly voted to impeach him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. The National Police Agency has held meetings to plan detainment efforts, speculating that over a thousand officers might be involved in a multiday operation.

The Defence Ministry stated that troops will no longer block Yoon's detention but will focus on guarding the perimeter of the compound. The agency warned that obstructing the warrant execution could lead to arrests of presidential bodyguards.