Impeached South Korean President defies warrant after a long standoff

South Korea’s political turmoil deepened Thursday as investigators from the anti-corruption agency were forced to withdraw from the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following a near six-hour standoff. Yoon, defying a court-issued detention warrant, refused to comply, heightening a crisis that has gripped the nation and paralyzed its political institutions.

The confrontation unfolded as investigators sought to enforce a warrant issued earlier this week by a Seoul court, charging Yoon with rebellion. However, his presidential security service blocked entry, citing concerns for his safety and invoking a law protecting locations tied to military secrets from searches without consent.

“This is a serious affront to legal and democratic processes,” the anti-corruption agency said in a statement, expressing regret over Yoon’s noncompliance.

The embattled leader, a former prosecutor, has been under investigation since he declared martial law on December 3, citing frustrations with an opposition-controlled parliament blocking his policies. The move escalated tensions as Yoon ordered troops to surround the National Assembly. Parliament swiftly overturned the declaration in a unanimous vote and impeached Yoon on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

Despite his removal from office, Yoon has resisted attempts to be questioned, reportedly last leaving his residence on December 12 to deliver a defiant televised address. In the broadcast, he vowed to fight efforts to oust him, accusing opposition lawmakers of undermining his presidency.

Legal experts say enforcing Yoon’s detention while he remains in the presidential residence presents challenges due to legal protections. His lawyers have filed a challenge to the warrant, further delaying potential action.

Meanwhile, the crisis has left South Korea politically paralyzed. This marks the second impeachment of a head of state within a month, following the removal of another official amid corruption allegations. The turmoil has intensified public frustration, with protests both for and against Yoon erupting nationwide.

Opposition leaders have called for calm and adherence to legal processes, while Yoon’s allies claim the investigations are politically motivated.

As the anti-corruption agency weighs its next steps, the country remains on edge, its institutions strained under the weight of deepening political divisions and questions over democratic accountability.

This unprecedented crisis continues to unfold, leaving South Koreans and the global community watching closely for what comes next in this volatile chapter of the nation’s history.