President Yoon Suk-yeol, as captured in a Yonhap News file photo (Presidential Communications Photo Reporters), has expressed his determination to fight until the end to protect the country amid ongoing overnight rallies by his supporters on the 1st. He conveyed this message to them.
Expectations are that the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Agency (CIO) investigating President Yoon on charges of treason may execute a warrant for his arrest as early as the 2nd. Following Yoon’s failure to comply with three summonses, the CIO sought and obtained arrest and search warrants for treason and abuse of power from the court the previous day. It marks the first time in South Korean constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president.
After receiving the arrest warrant on December 31, the CIO is continuing discussions with the police on specific timing and methods for execution. Usually, once an arrest warrant is issued, it is swiftly executed for speed and confidentiality; however, given the unprecedented situation involving the sitting president, authorities are considering the timing and approach carefully.
The President’s security detail has stated that any related actions will be conducted in compliance with lawful procedures. This position presents a potential obstacle for the CIO, as the security detail may use security as grounds to block attempts at the President’s premises.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Gap-geun, argues that the arrest warrant is “illegal and invalid.” The CIO plans to execute the warrant by its expiration date, the 6th. Since three days have already passed since the warrant’s issuance, there is a possibility of execution taking place as early as today.
The CIO seems poised to pressure the security team for cooperation, citing that their search warrant includes an exception to Articles 110 and 111 of the Korean Criminal Procedure Act, which typically protect military secrets or official secrets from seizure or search without the responsible party’s consent.
In past instances, the security detail has blocked police searches at the presidential office under these legal provisions, but it is now more challenging to refuse the execution of search and arrest warrants. The CIO has also issued a warning notice to the security detail, stating that obstruction of the warrant’s execution could lead to charges of negligence or interference with official duties.
Considering the ongoing pro- and anti-impeachment rallies near the location where President Yoon is believed to be staying, the CIO is coordinating with the police to deploy officers for maintaining order.
Should President Yoon be arrested, he will be taken to the CIO at the Government Complex Gwacheon for questioning before being detained at the Seoul Detention Center. Plans to video record the interrogation process are under consideration. If arrested, the CIO is expected to file for a detention warrant within 48 hours or else release him.
Meanwhile, on January 1st, around 7:30 p.m., President Yoon personally signed and delivered New Year’s and thank-you messages to his supporters holding an overnight rally outside his residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul. In the message, he expressed gratitude and concern, stating, “I am watching your efforts through live YouTube broadcasts. I am truly grateful and saddened.” He further asserted that with threats from domestic and abroad disrupting the Republic of Korea, he would fight alongside the people to protect the nation. He emphasized that in true liberal democracy, power lies with each individual citizen, not the state or political parties, and vowed that this will prevail.
Suk Dong-hyun, a lawyer from President Yoon’s team, confirmed that the original signed A4 message was delivered to the rally’s host through an official, who then communicated and shared it with the supporters.