South Korean Authorities Seek Arrest of Suspended President Over Martial Law

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s lawyer argued that the warrant request was ‘invalid’ and that an ‘incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power.’

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 12, 2024. South Korea Presidential Office via AP

South Korean investigators have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his imposition of martial law earlier this month.

In December, martial law was briefly declared in South Korea by the leader of the People Power Party (PPP) to allegedly root out North Korean subversion in the country.