South Korean President's Bodyguards Stand Firm Amid Impeachment Crisis

President Yoon Suk Yeol's security service, firmly committed to protecting him, has successfully prevented law enforcement from detaining him on charges of insurrection, despite widespread calls for his removal following his impeachment.

In the midst of a political storm engulfing South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol's Presidential Security Service (P.S.S.) has emerged as a pivotal factor in the country's ongoing crisis. Following his impeachment for declaring martial law last month, Yoon finds himself barricaded within a fortified compound in central Seoul, surrounded by supporters and security personnel. The situation is tense, as public sentiment increasingly favors his ousting, with recent surveys indicating a majority of South Koreans want him arrested.

The P.S.S., tasked with ensuring the safety of the president, has become embroiled in controversy, acting as a formidable obstacle to criminal investigators attempting to execute a detention warrant against Yoon. Last Friday, during a five-and-a-half-hour standoff at his residence, the P.S.S. outnumbered the investigating officers two-to-one. They questioned the legitimacy of the arrest warrant and ultimately succeeded in halting the initial attempt to detain him.

Historically, the P.S.S. has roots in South Korea's military dictatorship era, established in 1963 under dictator Park Chung-hee. While it has faded into the background in recent years, the agency has rekindled attention under Yoon’s administration due to its aggressive tactics against protestors. Yoon himself appointed Kim Yong-hyun, a close ally, to lead the security service, reinforcing the agency's commitment to protect the suspended president.

Despite operating under an acting president during this turbulent time, the P.S.S. has publicly pledged unwavering support for Yoon, considering him the lone elected leader of the nation. They have warned that confrontations with investigators could arise if another detention attempt is made, as they are backed by military and police detachments alongside trained anti-terror specialists.

As the political landscape in South Korea grows increasingly precarious, the ability of the P.S.S. to shield Yoon from legal consequences has left many questioning the future stability of the country's governance and law enforcement integrity.