South Korean authorities have attempted to arrest suspended President Chun Seok-cheol for the second time. Crowds of protesters and supporters filled the streets around Jun’s official residence in Seoul for several hours, waiting for developments.
Investigators who arrived at the former president’s official residence presented a court arrest warrant issued on January 7th. Jun’s lawyer held lengthy discussions with police. Afterwards, officials from the Office for Combating Corruption (CIO) tried to force their way onto the premises, leading to a scuffle. Emergency services reported at least one person had minor injuries.
Seoul, South Korea. Clashes between Jun’s supporters and opponents
After several hours of standoff, officials and police entered the official residence of South Korea’s suspended president. Earlier, the CIO had ruled out the possibility of the head of state voluntarily appearing before investigative authorities at the request of the head of state’s lawyer. If Jun is arrested, he will be taken to the office on suspicion of corruption among executives.
Yonhap News previously reported that Kim Sung-hoon, acting director of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), was arrested on suspicion of obstructing Jun’s arrest during the first arrest by investigative authorities on January 3. Police deny these reports.
Television reports said a group of police officers and agents were heading deep into the presidential palace with a ladder. A presidential security bus is on the road right near the headquarters where Jun has been hiding since January 12th. In recent days, PSS has reinforced the fence and blockade by installing barbed wire right next to Jun’s residence. According to Yonhap News, police allegedly used a ladder to gain entry.
South Korea. Thousands of demonstrators outside Jun Seok-cheol’s residence
Thousands of Jun’s supporters, including members of the ruling party, gathered outside the mansion carrying South Korean and American banners and flags. Jun’s critics also gathered nearby, chanting “Arrest Jun” and playing popular protest songs. The atmosphere around the mansion is tense. Police erected barriers and closed major roads to restrict vehicular movement.
Jun’s lawyers argue that the order was issued by a court without jurisdiction and that the investigation team did not have proper authority to handle the case.
Meanwhile, the CIO firmly declares his determination to bring Jun to justice. Director of Investigation Oh Dong-woong said authorities will use all means possible to arrest Jun.
President Jeong Seok Chol and the controversy over impeachment
Jun Suk Jeol was removed from office by Parliament on December 14, 2024. He is accused of inciting rebellion in connection with the introduction of martial law on December 3. This decision was met with sharp criticism. It was seen as a desperate attempt to maintain power in the face of growing social discontent.
The first attempt to arrest Jun on January 3 ended in a dramatic stalemate, with hundreds of presidential security personnel and soldiers blocking investigators. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police subsequently secured a renewed arrest warrant.
Jun’s lawyer claims that the warrant for his arrest on charges of abuse of power related to the coup and the imposition of martial law is “unlawful.” The court issued orders for the politician’s arrest twice, on December 31 and January 7 last year.
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