In Seoul, security prevented the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Clashes occurred between investigators and the president's security at the residence. Representatives of the president claimed that the attempt to arrest was unlawful. Yoon Suk Yeol is considered temporarily suspended until the Constitutional Court concludes its impeachment review and is under the protection of the presidential security service.

Investigators must execute the arrest warrant by January 6.

The Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for the president and a search of his residence on December 31, 2024. This action was taken after Yoon ignored three subpoenas from the Anti-Corruption Investigation Office regarding high-ranking officials, which summoned him for questioning.

On December 14, the South Korean parliament voted to support the president's impeachment. A total of 204 out of 300 lawmakers voted in favor, while 85 opposed. The vote was conducted secretly. This was the second attempt to vote for impeachment; during the first attempt, there were not enough votes to remove Yoon Suk Yeol.

The impeachment was triggered by Yoon Suk Yeol's announcement on December 3 regarding the imposition of martial law "to combat domestic supporters of North Korea." The decree, which lasted six hours, prohibited the operation of political parties, protests, strikes, and imposed censorship and military field tribunals. This sparked massive protests both on the streets of Seoul and in parliament. Lawmakers voted to overturn the president's decision while the military stormed the building. Following this, he was legally compelled to revoke the decree. On December 7, the president apologized for his actions on live television.

• Yoon Suk Yeol is a representative of the right-wing forces, traditionally tough on North Korea. He was elected president in 2022. The opposition Democratic Party's position towards Pyongyang is more flexible.