About 70 investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police arrived in front of Yoon’s residence on the morning of January 3. However, a police official said the investigators were blocked from entering the building by a military unit believed to be from the Capital Defense Command, Yonhap reported.

The CIO told the media that it was "beginning to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol" on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, related to Mr. Yoon's decision to declare martial law in early December 2024. Mr. Yoon's lawyer criticized the arrest warrant as "illegal" and vowed to take legal action.

However, protests by Mr Yoon's supporters outside the presidential palace have complicated the operations of CIO officials, along with the possibility that presidential security forces will obstruct the arrest process.

The CIO requested an arrest warrant after Yoon ignored three summonses for questioning. It also obtained a search warrant for the presidential residence. If presidential security or Yoon's supporters try to stop the CIO from carrying out the arrest warrant, police have said they will arrest them for obstruction of duty.

If President Yoon is arrested, investigators plan to take him to the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, for questioning. The CIO then has 48 hours to request a formal arrest warrant, or it will have to release Mr. Yoon.

On December 14, 2024, the South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution to impeach President Yoon, suspending his position and powers, although he still holds the title of president, until the South Korean Constitutional Court decides to remove or reinstate Mr. Yoon.