South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol faces a pending arrest after his recent impeachment over his short-lived martial law decree.

In response to these impeachment proceedings, tensions flared around the presidential residence on January 2, 2025, as investigators prepared to arrest South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol.

Dozens of Yoon supporters gathered outside the presidential residence in the Yong san district of Seoul, aiming to prevent the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) from executing the arrest.

The atmosphere turned volatile as conservative backers of Yoon, including prominent YouTubers, clashed physically, prompting police intervention, as reported by the daily Joon gAng.

Meanwhile, a separate group of liberal activists called for Yoon’s arrest following the issuance of warrants by the Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

He is notably the first sitting president to confront such allegations, which include an unprecedented arrest warrant and a travel ban.

Impeached by parliament on December 14, 2024, Yoon is currently undergoing a trial by the Constitutional Court that may last up to six months before a decision regarding his removal from office is reached.

In a written message to his supporters on January 1, 2025, Yoon vowed to fight alongside his supporters to the end to protect the country.

“I am watching on YouTube live all the hard work you are doing. I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you,” he wrote.

He claimed in his communication that South Korea is under threat from internal and external forces infringing on its sovereignty and anti-state groups.

However, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament and led Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, stated that the letter proves Yoon was deceived and is still determined to continue his uprising.

“As if trying to stage insurrection wasn’t enough, he is now inciting his supporters to an extreme clash,” said party representative Jo Seoung-lae.

Yoon’s Current Predicament

Yoon’s Dec. 3 imposition of martial law, the first of its kind in more than four decades in South Korea, lasted only six hours but has caused massive political tumult, halted diplomatic activities, and rattled financial markets.

Yoon was forced to lift his decree after parliament unanimously voted to overturn it.

Yoon faces serious charges, including masterminding that brief martial law including insurrection, treason, and abuse of power.

Now his presidential powers and duties will be suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s No. 2 official, will take over his authority once copies of a document on the impeachment are delivered to Yoon and to the Constitutional Court.

The court has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon as president or restore his powers. If he’s thrown out of office, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days.