South Korea Seeks Arrest for Suspended President Amid Martial Law Controversy and Crypto Market Turmoil
December 30, 2024The Constitutional Court has begun proceedings to assess the constitutionality of the National Assembly's impeachment vote against Yoon.
South Korean authorities have requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of insurrection linked to his brief declaration of martial law earlier in December 2024.
It remains unclear whether Yoon can be legally compelled to testify in this ongoing matter.
The arrest warrant was issued approximately 33 hours after its request, marking a significant delay in the court's proceedings.
Typically, an arrest warrant must be executed within seven days, but this timeline can be extended if necessary.
Allegations against Yoon include claims of sending troops to investigate vulnerabilities in election systems, which he has not substantiated.
Yoon's legal team is contesting the validity of the arrest warrant, while political tensions escalate with opposition lawmakers holding a majority in parliament.
Police have been deployed outside Yoon's residence in Seoul to manage potential confrontations between his supporters and protesters advocating for his removal.
The announcement of martial law caused a significant drop in cryptocurrency prices, with Bitcoin plummeting as much as $30,000 in just six hours on South Korean exchanges.
Yoon's martial law decree banned political activity and censored media, leading to public outrage and disruptions in financial markets.
This situation continues to develop, with the nation bracing for the execution of Yoon's arrest warrant and the unfolding impeachment trial.
Investigations revealed that Yoon had discussed plans for martial law with senior military officials as early as March 2024, suggesting a premeditated strategy.
Summary based on 73 sources
Get a daily email with more World News stories
Sources
The Guardian • Dec 31, 2024
South Korean court issues arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk YeolThe Guardian • Dec 30, 2024
Authorities in South Korea seek arrest warrant for impeached president YoonBBC News • Dec 31, 2024
South Korea court issues warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon