Extension sought for Yoon arrest amid talk of more forceful steps

South Korea's anti-corruption agency and police debated yesterday more forceful measures to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a previous attempt was blocked by his security service last week.

The talks highlight the obstacles facing the criminal investigation into Yoon's December 3 martial law decree, which led to his impeachment 11 days later. The one-week detention warrant was set to expire at midnight, but the agency has requested a new court warrant.

Yoon has described his power grab as a necessary act of governance against a liberal opposition bogging down his agenda with its legislative majority and has vowed to "fight to the end." While martial law lasted only several hours, it set off turmoil that has shaken the country's politics, diplomacy and financial markets for weeks and exposed the fragility of South Korea's democracy while society is deeply polarized.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials said yesterday it had asked police to take over efforts to detain Yoon, only to backtrack hours later after the police said the warrants had been obtained by the agency.

However, police did say they plan to make a more aggressive effort to detain Yoon. Presidential staff were seen installing barbed wire near the gate and along the hills leading up to the building.

A police official said there were discussions with the agency on whether to arrest members of the presidential security staff if they forcefully obstruct arrest efforts.

When asked about the possibility of deploying special task forces, the official said "all available options" were being reviewed.

ASSOCIATED PRESS