SEOUL: The head of South Korea's anti-corruption agency has pledged to execute a detention warrant against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol by early next week, urging the presidential security service to not interfere with law enforcement activities. The warrant follows charges related to Yoon's alleged involvement in a December 3 martial law declaration, insurrection orchestration, and abuse of power, marking a historic first for a sitting South Korean president to face arrest.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Western District Court issued the warrant on Tuesday after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) made the request. The request came as President Yoon ignored three separate summonses to participate in the investigation regarding the martial law attempt. Oh Dong-woon, chief of the CIO, informed reporters that the agency is committed to executing the warrant, which remains valid until Monday.

Oh emphasized that a joint investigation team is currently deliberating the timing for the warrant's execution and assured that it will be carried out within the designated period. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation from the presidential security service, warning that any attempt to obstruct the arrest could be considered an abuse of power and a hindrance to justice.

In response, Yoon's legal team has rejected the validity of the detention warrant, labeling it "illegal and invalid." They argue that the warrant was issued by an investigative body lacking proper jurisdiction, raising further legal debate surrounding the case.