A South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk Yeol, making him the first serving president in the country to face such a legal measure.
The order, issued on Tuesday (31 December), comes amidst allegations of rebellion and corruption, according to reports by Reuters.
Investigators revealed that Yoon was impeached and removed from office on 3 December for enforcing martial law.
The Corruption Investigation Officer (CIO) for High-Ranking Officials stated that the Western District Court of Seoul approved the arrest warrant, primarily to facilitate further investigations.
Local media reports confirmed the unprecedented nature of this warrant, noting it as a first in South Korea's history for a sitting president.
Neither the CIO nor the court has made any comments regarding the arrest order.
While the precise manner in which the arrest warrant will be executed remains unclear, the Presidential Security Service assured in a statement on Tuesday that due process will be strictly followed.
Additionally, the CIO disclosed that the court had granted permission to raid Yoon’s residence, although prior attempts by the police to do so were thwarted.
The president's security services reportedly did not cooperate during those earlier efforts.
Yoon Suk Yeol may potentially face charges for criminal rebellion.
Meanwhile, Han Duck-soo, acting leader of the ruling People Power Party, expressed strong reservations, telling the Yonhap News Agency on Tuesday, "It is inappropriate to detain a president in this manner."
