By Abigail Philip David
South Korea is facing growing political turmoil following the resignation of Presidential Security Service (PSS) chief Park Chong-jun on Friday. Park stepped down as authorities intensified efforts to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who continues to resist legal actions against him.
Park submitted his resignation while appearing for police questioning over his role in blocking investigators from detaining Yoon. His resignation was later accepted by acting president Choi Sang-mok, officials confirmed.
Investigators, armed with a fresh arrest warrant, are preparing a renewed attempt to detain Yoon over his December 3 martial law declaration, which triggered South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades.
Ahead of his questioning, Park urged for restraint, stating, “There must be no physical clashes or bloodshed under any circumstances.”His comments reflect mounting concerns over the potential for violent confrontations between Yoon’s security forces and law enforcement.
Political Standoff Intensifies
Public tensions are escalating, with rival protest groups braving freezing temperatures. Some demonstrators demand the annulment of Yoon’s impeachment, while others are calling for his immediate arrest. If detained, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.
Yoon’s legal team has rejected the validity of the latest arrest warrant, and the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) has vowed to be fully prepared for a second arrest operation. Police officials also convened on Friday to strategize the next steps, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Park had twice ignored police summons related to allegations of obstructing public duty after his security team prevented Yoon’s arrest on January 3. The PSS previously defended Park’s absence, citing the “serious nature” of protecting the president. However, authorities warned they might pursue an arrest warrant against Park if he continued to evade questioning.
**Security Tightens Around Yoon**
In response to the growing threat of arrest, Yoon’s security has been significantly reinforced. His residential compound in Seoul has been fortified with barbed wire and barricaded buses, with guards reportedly on 24-hour high alert.
In a related development, prosecutors on Friday indicted a former defense intelligence commander for his role in the martial law declaration, charging him with insurrection and abuse of authority.
Beyond the insurrection investigation, Yoon also faces ongoing impeachment proceedings. Although lawmakers have suspended him from office, the Constitutional Court will determine whether to permanently remove him or reinstate him. The impeachment trial is set to begin on January 14, and the court has up to 180 days from December 14 to issue its ruling.
Yoon’s legal team indicated he remains inside his residence and may attend the trial.
Public Opinion Shifts Amid Crisis
Political analysts warn that any violent clash during an arrest attempt could damage Yoon’s position in his impeachment trial. *“Physical confrontations would likely weaken his standing in the trial,”* political commentator Park Sang-byung told AFP.
Despite the deepening crisis, public support for Yoon’s ruling People Power Party has surprisingly increased. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday showed the party’s approval rating rising to 34%, up from 24% three weeks prior, suggesting that the political standoff may be rallying some public support.
