South Korea: Officials suspend arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol

A day of high drama has ended in South Korea, as investigators foiled an attempt to arrest ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol after a six-hour standoff with security forces outside his home.

“We have determined that an arrest is not possible,” said the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is investigating Yoon’s short-term martial law declaration.

“Next steps will be decided upon review,” the CIO said, adding that Yoon’s “abandonment of the legal process” was “deeply regrettable.”

Yoon’s supporters, who have camped outside the presidential residence for days, cheered with song and dance when the suspension was announced. They chanted “We have won”.