South Korean investigators have halted their efforts to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol after a tense standoff on Friday. Authorities had tried to enforce an arrest warrant at Yoon’s residence but were blocked by the president’s security team. The confrontation lasted several hours before the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) decided to suspend the operation, citing concerns for the safety of everyone involved. The warrant, which remains valid until January 6, could be extended.

A heavy police presence surrounded the area, with crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathering in the streets, some even camping overnight. Despite freezing temperatures, many held signs and waved American flags, showing their backing for the president, who is at the center of multiple investigations. He faces serious charges, including insurrection, which could carry life imprisonment or the death this week, a court approved the warrant for Yoon, marking the first time an arrest warrant had been issued for a sitting South Korean president. However, Yoon, a former prosecutor, has refused to cooperate with investigators despite receiving three summonses. His refusal to comply with legal procedures led to strong criticism from the CIO, which expressed disappointment at Yoon’s stance.

The president has been embroiled in political chaos since he declared martial law in early December, citing the paralysis of government activities by opposition lawmakers. His decree was quickly overturned after intense backlash, and he faces impeachment by parliament. The political situation remains unstable, with Yoon’s supporters fiercely opposing any legal actions against him, while the opposition party demands that the law be upheld.

Yoon’s legal team has challenged the arrest warrant in court, filing for an injunction to stop its execution. If arrested, the president could be detained for up to 48 hours, but further detention would require a second warrant. In the meantime, Yoon remains defiant, vowing to fight the charges and continue his efforts for South Korea’s future. His impeachment trial is ongoing and could take several months, with a decision on whether he will be removed from office pending.