A South Korean court authorized arrest warrants on Tuesday for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, also ordering searches of his office and residence. This action stems from a criminal probe into his earlier-this-month declaration of martial law.

This marks an unprecedented event—the first time a South Korean president faces arrest. The situation unfolds amidst heightened political tension in the country, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally, further complicated by the recent fatal Jeju Air plane crash.

The Seoul Western District Court issued the warrants, according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials. This office is jointly investigating with police and military authorities.

The investigation focuses on whether Yoon’s December 3rd declaration constituted rebellion; he is currently suspended from office.

Under South Korean law, rebellion carries a potential death sentence or life imprisonment.

The timing of the warrant execution remains uncertain; the president’s lawyer has denounced the warrants as invalid and illegal. Yoon’s location is undisclosed, though he’s barred from leaving the country. While presidents typically enjoy immunity from prosecution, this doesn’t extend to rebellion or treason accusations.

South Korean law permits martial law declarations only during wartime or similar crises; even then, the president cannot suspend parliament.

Yoon’s abrupt imposition of martial law, aimed at quelling perceived “anti-state” forces, lasted about six hours after parliament overturned his decree. He attempted to use troops and police to obstruct the parliamentary vote, but this action was ultimately unsuccessful.

A parliamentary motion to impeach the president followed the martial law declaration, with the People Power Party leader condemning the actions as unconstitutional. The impeachment vote, which deployed numerous troops and police, took place on December 14th.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, now acting president, has also faced impeachment for failing to fill judicial vacancies. Yoon’s removal requires a court upholding the impeachment.

Experts suggest that filling judicial vacancies could impact the impeachment proceedings, needing at least six justices’ support. Yoon’s Constitutional Court hearing is scheduled for Friday.

The former defense minister, a key figure in the martial law decree, has been detained and indicted on insurrection and abuse of power charges.

New acting President Choi Sang-mok led a task force meeting Monday addressing the Jeju Air disaster, where a Boeing 737-800 crash-landed.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. 

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