Thank you for joining us for the first episode of News Center in 2025. I’m Yoon Jung-min.
In the new year, we hope to deliver more inspiring stories and good news.
Our top story this evening begins with an unprecedented political event happening here.
The mood has been tense throughout the day with speculation that the authorities could execute an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk Yeol as early as today over his brief martial law imposition about a month ago.
For the latest developments, we have our Kim Jung-sil live on the line.
Jung-sil, did the authorities proceed with the warrant?
No, Jungmin, the warrant has not been executed yet.
It has been three days since the Seoul Western District Court issued the arrest warrant, but the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, or CIO, has not attempted to enforce it.
Reports suggest the CIO is carefully reviewing the situation and timing, but critics argue this delay risks wasting the warrant’s validity, which expires on January 6th.
And this evening, President Yoon’s legal team filed a formal objection with the Seoul Western District Court, challenging both the arrest and search warrants.
At the center of the legal team’s objection is the court’s unprecedented exclusion of Articles 110 and 111 of the Criminal Procedure Act in the search warrant, provisions typically safeguarding sensitive military or official secrets.
While this exclusion has prompted debate over its legal validity, critics argue it has also allowed Yoon’s team to divert attention from the central issue of accountability.
Despite these objections, experts assert the arrest warrant is valid and enforceable.
Professor Chang Young-soo of Korea University, a constitutional law expert, said the warrant was legitimately issued due to the president’s repeated refusal to cooperate.
Jung-sil, what happens if President Yoon continues to defy the arrest warrant?
Jungmin, experts note that enforcing the arrest warrant is not impossible, as its validity remains intact.
They emphasize that the arrest warrant alone permits President Yoon’s detention, including entering his premises to take him into custody, regardless of the issues tied to the separate search warrant.
However, enforcement remains a challenge.
“Enforcement is not impossible, and the warrant’s validity cannot be entirely dismissed. The arrest warrant itself is legitimate, but potential physical clashes with supporters are another issue.”
Questions remain about the delay in the arrest of President Yoon, despite the CIO completing its preparations legitimately.
Hardline supporters gathered near Yoon’s Hannam-dong residence, and coordination issues with police have stalled progress.
Critics argue the delay fuels claims of preferential treatment and undermines trust in the justice system.
With time running out before the January 6 deadline, the CIO is facing mounting pressure to act decisively.
That’s all I have for now, back to you, Jungmin.
Thank you, Jung-sil for those updates.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=279560
Arirang TV(public institution's name)'s public work is used according to KOGL