South Korea has experienced a month of political unrest following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law, during which soldiers and helicopters were deployed to the parliament.
After being compelled to retract the decree, Mr. Yoon was subsequently impeached – awaiting a court decision – and this week, authorities issued an arrest warrant for him, which is set to expire on Monday.
Here is a summary of the events:
3 December: Martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol announces emergency martial law.
He intends to safeguard the country against “threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eradicate anti-state elements that are compromising people’s freedom and happiness”.
Armed troops storm parliament, climbing fences, breaking windows, and landing by helicopter in an apparent effort to prevent politicians from overturning the decree.
South Korean soldiers attempt to enter the National Assembly on 4 December.
As thousands of protesters gather outside, politicians vote 190-0 to nullify Mr. Yoon’s declaration in the early hours of 4 December.
Troops begin to withdraw, and Mr. Yoon reappears on television to lift martial law.
Protesters celebrate while Mr. Yoon goes into hiding.
4 December: Impeachment plan
The opposition immediately pledges on 4 December to pursue impeachment and files an official motion.
They also file separate complaints of “insurrection” against Mr. Yoon, his defense and interior ministers, and “key military and police figures involved, including the martial law commander and the police chief”.
Police announce an investigation into Mr. Yoon and others for “insurrection”.
7 December: Yoon apologizes
Mr. Yoon reappears on 7 December to apologize in a televised address for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused.
Tens of thousands of anti-Yoon protesters gather outside parliament.
Protesters demand the removal of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the National Assembly in Seoul on 7 December.
An impeachment motion is defeated hours later, allowing Mr. Yoon to remain in power.
9 December: Yoon travel ban
On 8 December, Kim Yong-hyun, who had resigned as defense minister just days earlier, is arrested in connection with the martial law declaration.
The interior minister also resigns.
The main opposition party announces plans to attempt to impeach the president again on 14 December.
The following day, the justice ministry declares that Mr. Yoon is banned from traveling abroad.
On 12 December, Mr. Yoon defends his unexpected decision, claiming the opposition has pushed South Korea into a “national crisis”.
14 December: Yoon impeached
Out of 300 politicians, 204 vote to impeach Mr. Yoon while 85 oppose the motion.
Mr. Yoon is suspended from office as South Korea’s Constitutional Court has six months to review the vote.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumes the role of acting leader.
Han Duck-soo has become South Korea’s acting president.
Following the vote, scenes of jubilation erupt among tens of thousands of demonstrators outside the parliament building.
27 December: Second impeachment
The Corruption Investigation Office issues a third summons to Mr. Yoon on 26 December after he defied investigators’ requests twice within a week.
Mr. Yoon faces impeachment and criminal charges for insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
On 27 December, MPs impeach acting president Mr. Duck-soo over what the opposition deems a refusal to enact special bills aimed at investigating Mr. Yoon.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok takes over the role.
30 December: Arrest warrant
Investigators seek an arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon after he fails to appear for questioning a third time.
This represents the first instance in the country’s history where an attempt is made to forcibly detain a president before the completion of the impeachment process.
A court issues the warrant, valid until 6 January. Mr. Yoon’s attorney labels it “illegal and invalid”.
1 January: Yoon defiant
Investigators pledge to execute the warrant before the deadline, indicating that arrangements are underway with police for Mr. Yoon’s arrest.
Hundreds of his supporters gather outside his residence to protest against his impeachment.
Mr. Yoon reiterates in a statement his commitment to fight alongside them “until the very end to protect this nation”.
3 January: Arrest attempt
Investigators attempt to arrest Mr. Yoon at his home but retreat after a standoff with his security team.
A Corruption Investigation Office official stated that about 20 investigators and 80 police officers were significantly outnumbered by roughly 200 soldiers and security personnel who linked arms to block their entry into the presidential compound.
Failed negotiations ensued, leading investigators to leave for their safety, though another arrest attempt may occur after reevaluation.
The deadline for executing the warrant is set for Monday.
