Martial law crisis continues: New development in South Korean President's arrest appeal

The South Korean Western District Court has announced its decision regarding the appeal filed by suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol against the arrest warrant issued for him.

According to Yonhap news, the court rejected the request to stay the execution of the arrest warrant and the search warrant for the presidential residence.

The same court had issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on December 31, 2024, as part of an investigation into allegations of "insurrection" and "abuse of power," but suspended the execution of the order following a scuffle between police officers attempting to enter the official residence and his security detail.

The deadline for the execution of the arrest warrant issued against Yoon on charges of "insurrection and abuse of power" in connection with the declaration of martial law has been set for January 6.

FIRST HEARING IN IMPEACHMENT CASE ON JANUARY 14

His lawyer announced that Yoon plans to testify in the impeachment case being heard at the Constitutional Court.

The court has set five hearing dates for the impeachment case, with the first hearing to be held on January 14.

The other four hearings will be held on January 16, January 21, January 23, and February 4, respectively.

Meanwhile, protests demanding Yoon's arrest continue in the country. Hundreds of protesters gathered near the official residence, calling for the enforcement of the decisions regarding Yoon.

MARTIAL LAW CRISIS IN SOUTH KOREA

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on the night of December 3, 2024, in a televised address, citing "anti-state activities by the opposition," but took a step back after the parliament voted to lift the decision and the Cabinet approved it.

Yoon, who faces impeachment by the National Assembly, was temporarily suspended from his duties pending the Constitutional Court's decision, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was appointed as acting president.

In a vote held in the National Assembly on December 27 at the initiative of the opposition, an impeachment motion was also passed against Prime Minister Han, who was acting as president. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok took over the acting presidency in place of Han.

News Source: AA