South Korean authorities have granted a request to extend the arrest warrant for the suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol. The warrant was issued for questioning following his unexpected declaration of martial law last month.

The original warrant expired at midnight on Monday (10 AM ET) but it was reissued by the Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday afternoon at the request of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO).

The duration of the warrant has not been disclosed, but such warrants are typically valid for seven days. However they can be extended if the judge deems it necessary. The CIO in collaboration with the police and defense ministry is investigating Yoon, with charges including leading an insurrection, a serious crime that could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

This is the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president as the initial warrant was approved on December 31. Police and anti-corruption investigators had attempted to arrest Yoon on Friday but were forced to retreat after a prolonged standoff at the presidential compound.

Despite facing multiple investigations Yoon, a former prosecutor has refused to cooperate with investigators. His defense team has labeled the arrest warrant as illegal and vowed to take legal action against it. The situation has sparked protests, with hundreds of supporters gathering outside Yoon’s residence, asserting that the actions against him violate South Korean law.

Once the warrant is enforced investigators have 48 hours to hold and question Yoon. If they wish to detain him longer they would need to apply for another warrant within this time frame. While many of Yoon's supporters continue to protest the impeachment trial and legal challenges against him are ongoing.