Yoon Becomes 1st S. Korean President with Arrest Warrant

South Korean President Yoon Faces Arrest Warrant Over Martial Law

In a historic move, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, marking the first time a sitting president in South Korea has faced such charges. The warrant stems from Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration on December 3, which sparked national outrage and led to his impeachment on December 14.

Yoon is accused of insurrection, treason, and abuse of power for orchestrating the botched martial law, which investigators claim was an unlawful power grab. Despite four summons to appear for questioning, Yoon refused, and the court has authorized searches at his residence and office.

This unprecedented action follows Yoon’s decision to invoke martial law, which he described as a necessary step to protect against opposition abuses of legislative power. Yoon’s legal team has dismissed the warrant as “illegal,” challenging the investigative body’s jurisdiction.

As the situation unfolds, Yoon’s impeachment trial continues at the Constitutional Court, where a ruling could either restore him to office or trigger new elections. Meanwhile, his Cabinet, led by Acting President Choi Sang-mok, has taken charge of state affairs.

The drama intensifies with ongoing political tension over the nominations of Constitutional Court judges, as Yoon’s government navigates the fallout from his impeachment and legal battles.
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