South Korean investigators submitted a request Monday for an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his repeated refusal to comply with questioning over his controversial martial law declaration.
The joint investigation team filed their request with a Seoul court after Yoon's third consecutive absence from scheduled interviews with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, having previously missed appointments on Dec. 18 and Dec. 25.
The nation faces unprecedented political upheaval following Yoon's brief implementation of martial law on Dec. 3, which triggered his impeachment and subsequently led to the removal of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had temporarily assumed leadership duties. This political turmoil coincides with the nation's gravest aviation disaster, as a Jeju Air flight crashed Sunday, claiming 179 lives with only two survivors.
The court's decision timeline on the arrest warrant remains unclear. If approved, Yoon would make history as the first incumbent South Korean president to face arrest while serving.
According to Yonhap News, Yoon's team contests the investigation unit's legal authority to pursue the warrant, though they haven't specified their preferred investigative body. Yoon's legal representation has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The warrant's practical enforcement remains questionable even if granted, given previous resistance from the presidential office, which successfully prevented police from conducting an office search.
Legal expert Lee Chang-hyun from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies suggests that the president's repeated avoidance of questioning and challenges to investigative authority appear to be tactical delays in the proceedings.
While maintaining his innocence and asserting his constitutional right to declare martial law, Yoon continues his legal battle to retain office. A parallel trial determining his permanent removal or reinstatement must conclude by June, with the next hearing scheduled for Jan. 3.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office Friday following Han's impeachment, faces immediate challenges in his new role. He has called for a thorough investigation into the recent plane crash and directed the transport ministry to conduct comprehensive airline safety inspections.
Despite initial market concerns following the aviation disaster, the South Korean won recovered Monday, rising 0.2% against the dollar to 1,468.05, supported by gains in local stocks and market stabilization assurances from authorities.