On January 6th, the South Korean Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that on the previous evening, it had formally transferred the responsibility of executing the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol to the National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency.
On December 31, 2024, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Seok-yeol on charges of inciting rebellion and abuse of power, also authorizing a search of the presidential residence. This marks the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant was issued for a sitting president. The warrant is valid for only seven days from the date of issuance, expiring on January 6, 2025.
Previously, the CIO had attempted to carry out the arrest twice. On January 3rd, investigators entered the presidential residence and engaged in a standoff with security personnel for about five and a half hours, without completing the task. The following day, the CIO once again requested that Choi Sang-mook, acting under presidential authority, order the Presidential Security Service to cooperate, but there was still no progress.
As the arrest warrant approaches its expiration, the involvement of the police in taking over the execution responsibility is drawing significant attention. This development not only deeply impacts the political situation within South Korea but also captures the attention of the international community.
