South Korea’s presidential security chief, Park Chong-jun, urged calm on Friday, stating that there should be no bloodshed if investigators attempt another arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law declaration.
Yoon, who has refused questioning and resisted arrest during a tense standoff last week, is at the center of South Korea’s worst political crisis in decades. The conflict began when Yoon’s short-lived attempt to declare martial law triggered widespread protests and opposition.
“I understand many citizens are concerned about the current situation where government agencies are in conflict and confrontation,” Chong-jun said. “Under no circumstances should there be physical clashes or bloodshed.”
Investigators have secured a new arrest warrant this week after the initial seven-day order expired on Monday. They aim to interrogate Yoon on insurrection charges linked to his martial law bid. However, Yoon’s supporters have rallied around him, some braving sub-zero temperatures to protect him at the presidential residence.
At the same time, rival protests have erupted, with some calling for Yoon’s impeachment to be declared invalid, while others demand his immediate detention.
If Yoon is arrested, he would become the first sitting South Korean president to face detention. However, his legal team has vowed not to comply with the arrest warrant.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is handling the case, has pledged to prepare thoroughly for the second attempt. CIO chief Oh Dong-woon apologized for the failure of the first attempt, expressing deep regret over the situation.