South Korea’s impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and subsequent arrest warrant have left authorities struggling to apprehend him. A six-hour standoff outside his home on Friday showed the strength of his security detail, with over 100 police officers unable to make an arrest.
Yoon, who imposed martial law last month, still has a strong support base, drawing thousands of protesters to block his arrest. The presidential security service (PSS), which is supposed to be under the direction of acting President Choi Sang-mok, appears to have remained loyal to Yoon, sparking concerns about its role in blocking the arrest.
Experts argue that the PSS’s loyalty to Yoon may stem from its chief being appointed by him and potentially seeding the organization with hardline supporters. The situation has created a risk of escalation, with law enforcement facing difficulty in intervening without provoking further violence.
The current standoff reflects the deep polarization in South Korean politics surrounding Yoon’s actions. While most South Koreans agree that his declaration of martial law was wrong, they disagree on what accountability should look like, adding to the uncertainty. The situation has left authorities with a complex web of issues, including investigating the PSS director and deputy for obstruction, as well as navigating the fallout from Yoon’s martial law order.
With investigators having until January 6th to make an arrest, the outcome remains uncertain, and the standoff is likely to continue.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp5xe1zwgo