A standoff between rival government forces outside the presidential compound in South Korea is a startling development, even for observers used to the country’s famously rough and tumble politics

South Korean law enforcement officials have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree this month amounted to rebellion.

It was unclear when and how police could make the arrest and whether the presidential security service, which has blocked access by investigators with a search warrant to Yoon's office and official residence,

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers an address to the nation at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, December 12, 2024. The Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo SEOUL (Reuters) -A South Korean court has re-issued a warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol,

Protesters have thronged the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, where officials trying to arrest him were blocked by security guards.

By Hyunsu Yim and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean investigators will seek an extension of a warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, as visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed confidence in the key Asian ally's handling of the political turmoil.

The president was suspended from his duties last month following a failed bid to impose martial law and his subsequent impeachment by parliament on December 14. Law enforcement authorities are seeking Yoon’s arrest as part of an investigation into alleged treason and abuse of power.

South Korea's suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol remains defiant in his newly-fortified residence, as investigators seek to extend the arrest warrant over his short-lived martial law order. The current warrant - which was due to expire at midnight local time (15:00 GMT) - was issued after Yoon ignored multiple summonses to appear for questioning on insurrection and abuse of power charges.