South Korean authorities attempted for the second time to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed declaration of martial law, which led to a standoff during their first attempt. Yoon has been holed up in his presidential residence since being impeached. Police officers faced blockades and thousands of protesters during the most recent attempt to detain him. Yoon is facing possible charges of insurrection, making him potentially the first president in South Korea to be arrested while in office. The Constitutional Court has begun a trial to determine the validity of Yoon’s impeachment. Yoon did not attend the first day of the trial, citing security concerns. During the first attempt to detain him, Yoon’s bodyguards refused to stand down, claiming they were legally obligated to protect the president. The authorities have regrouped and re-issued the arrest warrant. Yoon’s supporters fear his arrest could lead to civil unrest. Yoon’s lawyers argue the warrant is invalid, and he has repeatedly defied summonses for questioning, insisting he had the power to issue the martial law declaration. The episode has caused political instability in South Korea, a key U.S. ally. It has also highlighted the country’s transition from military-authoritarian rule to becoming a vibrant democracy and major economy in Asia.
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