South Korean authorities’ attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, following his failed martial law declaration, ended in a standoff at his presidential residence.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) spearheaded the operation to detain Yoon, but their efforts were thwarted by a combination of protestors and security personnel.

Critics argue that Yoon’s declaration was an unconstitutional power grab. The move has spurred widespread protests and investigations into potential abuses of power, with the CIO leading the probe.

A man holds a poster that reads, “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol immediately,” as protesters rally against the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near his official residence, after investigators were unable to execute an arrest warrant on Friday for Yoon, according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

According to Reuters, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the presidential compound in the early hours, pledging to prevent his arrest. Inside the compound, CIO officials and police were met by a robust Presidential Security Service (PSS) presence, bolstered by military troops under its control.

The standoff lasted several hours, with the CIO ultimately calling off the operation around 1:30 p.m., citing safety concerns for its personnel. In a statement, the CIO expressed “deep regret” over Yoon’s refusal to cooperate, stating, “It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff.”

Park Chae-yeon, 53, a supporter of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, holds up a banner that reads ‘STOP THE STEAL’ at a rally near Yoon’s official residence as he faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant for his arrest, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. REUTERS/Minwoo Park

The arrest warrant, valid until Jan. 6, was issued after Yoon ignored multiple summons for questioning. It permits investigators to hold Yoon for 48 hours if arrested, after which they must either seek a detention warrant or release him.

Yoon’s legal team has dismissed the warrant as invalid and vowed legal action against its enforcement. “Execution of an invalid arrest warrant against Yoon is unlawful,” his lawyer said, without providing further details.