Second arrest warrant issued for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean investigators used a ladder to enter the presidential palace on the morning of January 15 in a second attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial imposition of martial law last month, Yonhap news agency reported.

Specifically, at 7:30 a.m. on January 15, dozens of police officers entered the residence in central Seoul and crossed the fence to carry out a temporary detention order for Mr. Yoon and searched his residence after about 2.5 hours.

Investigators were initially blocked by presidential security forces who used multiple vehicles to form a barricade near the entrance to the compound.

Several lawmakers from the ruling KPP and President Yoon's lawyers also formed a barricade outside. Some investigators apparently had to find their way inside the compound through a nearby walkway.

Police have also warned that any attempt to obstruct the execution of the court order could result in arrest. According to initial estimates, about 6,500 supporters of the impeached president have gathered outside the compound.

South Korean police deployed about 3,000 officers to execute the arrest warrant, and clashes broke out between investigators and Mr. Yoon's supporters.

Investigators' first attempt to obtain an arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon earlier this month failed due to obstruction by presidential security forces.

The detention order was issued by the Seoul Western District Court after the South Korean leader failed to comply with three summonses from investigators to inquire into his controversial decision to impose martial law on December 3, 2024.