Yoon's arrest bid faces fierce resistance

A dramatic pre-dawn operation by South Korean authorities to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his hillside residence was met with fierce resistance from supporters and security personnel. The attempted arrest, marking the second such effort this month, stems from insurrection charges related to Yoon's December 3 martial law declaration.

Investigating officers encountered significant obstacles as they attempted to navigate through approximately 6,500 supporters and lawmakers from Yoon's People Power Party, who formed a human chain outside his fortified villa. The presidential residence, surrounded by barbed wire and protected by personal security, was further fortified with bus barriers installed by the presidential security service.

A massive force of 3,200 police officers was deployed in the operation, with some attempting to access the compound via a hiking trail on Mount Maembong. The confrontation resulted in physical clashes and at least one injury. Police used loudspeakers to warn that anyone obstructing the arrest warrant's execution could face detection.

This second attempt follows a failed six-hour standoff on January 3, making Yoon the first sitting South Korean president to face both an arrest warrant and a travel ban. The current warrant has been extended until January 21.

Earlier, the Constitutional Court held its first hearing on Yoon's impeachment trial, which lasted only four minutes due to his absence. The charges stem from his December 3 martial law declaration, which was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has cautioned against physical confrontations between government agencies, warning of strict accountability for any "unfortunate incidents." Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team maintains that the arrest warrant is invalid, while parliament has resumed with People Power Party lawmakers vocally opposing the arrest attempts.