On December 31, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after he ignored three summons from investigators. This unprecedented action marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced such a warrant. The Seoul Western District Court approved the request from a joint investigation team including the Korean National Police Agency and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The warrant was sought after Yoon failed to attend questioning three times, following his impeachment by parliament on December 14 due to his failed attempt to impose martial law in early December. His declaration of martial law, aimed at combating perceived anti-state threats, caused significant turmoil, including a sharp drop in cryptocurrency prices, particularly Bitcoin, as traders reacted to the crisis. Following his removal, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of interim leader. The arrest warrant must be executed within seven days of its approval, although an extension can be requested.

Source 🔗