The second attempt to execute an arrest warrant against former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was halted just 1 hour and 25 minutes after it began.
On August 7, at approximately 8:25 a.m., the special investigation team under Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki entered Seoul Detention Center to enforce the arrest warrant. However, they suspended the operation by 9:40 a.m., citing the potential for injury due to Yoon Suk-yeol’s strong resistance.
According to the special counsel, “We attempted to enforce the warrant using physical force, but considering the on-site opinion that there was a risk of injury, we decided to halt the operation.”
This was the final day before the court-issued warrant expired. The first attempt, made on August 1, failed after Yoon Suk-yeol reportedly lay on the floor in only his underwear and refused to comply.
Anticipating resistance during the second attempt, the special counsel had previously warned of using physical force. Yoon Suk-yeol’s legal team responded that any such attempt would be met with legal action.
Outside the detention center, both conservative and progressive groups staged protests. Supporters waved South Korean and American flags, chanting for Yoon Suk-yeol’s release. Several YouTubers were also present, livestreaming the confrontation.
To prevent possible clashes, over 200 police officers were stationed around the site.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho had instructed the detention center to fully cooperate with the special prosecutor’s team. However, the center previously stated it had no manual or protocol for forcibly extracting a detainee.
Yoon Suk-yeol is under investigation by a special counsel regarding the controversial emergency martial law plan from December 3, 2024.
Sources: News1