Blinken conveys his assurance in the democratic process of South Korea

South Korean investigators sought an extension of a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, as visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed confidence in the key Asian ally’s management of the political turmoil.

On Friday, investigators investigating Yoon regarding his Dec. 3 martial law proclamation were unable to serve an arrest warrant due to the formation of a human chain by presidential security service officers to obstruct their access to Yoon.

The arrest warrant, which was the first issued for a sitting president, was set to expire at midnight on Monday (1500 GMT). According to a statement issued by the investigating authorities on Monday, they had submitted a court request for an extension of the warrant. However, they declined to specify the duration of the extension.

Yoon, who has been impeached for his martial law declaration, is also under criminal investigation for potential insurrection.

With the impeachment of not only Yoon, but also the prime minister, who assumed the role of interim president, one of Asia’s most robust democracies was thrust into uncharted territory by the brief six-hour martial law declaration.

Officials in Washington, including Kurt Campbell, Blinken’s deputy, issued a rare rebuke against Yoon, stating that it was “badly misjudged.”

After his meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, Blinken stated that Washington had conveyed “serious concerns” to Seoul regarding certain actions Yoon had taken during the period of his martial law declaration.

However, Blinken stated at a news conference that the events that have transpired since then have exemplified South Korea’s reputation as a democratic success, which is “remarkably robust.”

“The response that we’ve seen, and that we expect to continue to see, is one that is peaceful and fully consistent and in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law.”

Blinken also conferred with South Korea’s interim President, Choi Sang-mok, according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

He stated that Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s confidence in the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and emphasized the United States’ unwavering dedication to the defense of South Korea.

On December 14, parliament impeached Yoon and suspended him from his presidential responsibilities. The Constitutional Court is currently deciding whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him.

The police were notified by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is overseeing the criminal insurrection investigation into Yoon, to assume responsibility for the implementation of the arrest warrant.

At a news briefing, a police official stated that the police were of the opinion that there was a legal dispute regarding the transfer and that they would consult with the CIO.

According to a police official, the arrest warrant will now be executed under the authority of the police joint investigation team and the CIO, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Yoon’s attorneys have contended that the CIO anti-graft force is not authorized by South Korean law to investigate any case involving insurrection.

Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer who is assisting Yoon, stated on Monday that the CIO’s attempt to delegate the execution of the arrest warrant is essentially an acknowledgment that the probe and warrant were “illegal.”

Yoon’s supporters have intensified their dueling rallies in response to the unprecedented attempt to arrest an incumbent president. The “Stop the Steal” slogans, which were popularized by voters of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, have been used by those advocating for Yoon’s punishment.

A news conference was conducted on Monday by a group of fervent Yoon supporters, led by Christian pastor Jun Kwang-hoon, who characterized the struggle for Yoon as a “international battle” for freedom.

“Unfortunately, Fox News is not available in Korea,” it stated in a statement, alluding to the American cable news channel that is particularly popular among Trump supporters.

Jun stated that Yoon’s supporters would continue to hold rallies outside his residence until they “reap the results.”