The White House expressed "grave concern" last month after South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law on his country.

Yoon once again made headlines earlier this week when a warrant was issued for the president's arrest.  

First time that a sitting South Korean president has faced arrest

According to Breitbart, Yoon's warrant was issued by the Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday, marking the first time that a sitting South Korean head of state has faced being arrested.

Breitbart noted that although serving South Korean presidents typically enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, an exception exists for charges of insurrection.

What's more, Korea JoongAng Daily reported that a search warrant was also issued for Yoon's private residence which is located in the Yongsan district of Seoul.

ABC News noted how Yoon’s attorneys have sought to have the warrant dismissed, arguing that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) "does not have the authority to investigate an insurrection."

South Korean university professor says Yoon "could be charged with treason"

Yoon was widely criticized for briefly declaring martial law in December in response to what he claimed were illegal activities on the part of opposition figures.

South Korean investigators are seeking an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, according to local reports. https://t.co/IwyEpxUo60

— ABC News (@ABC) December 30, 2024

Among the critics was Kyunghee University professor Seo Jungkun, who told ABC News, "It was an unthinkable, unimaginable situation."

"President Yoon attempted to suspend the functions of the national assembly. He ordered the removal of lawmakers, therefore he could be charged with treason," the academic alleged.

Successor of impeached president was himself impeached last week

Meanwhile, Fox News reported two weeks ago that South Korea's National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon over his martial law declaration by a vote of 204 to 85.

That move stripped Yoon of his official duties and gave the Constitutional Court 180 days to decide whether he should be removed from office.

Although the impeachment elevated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to the role of acting president, Fox News noted that Han was himself impeached by opposition lawmakers this past Friday.

Han called the impeachment vote "regrettable" but insisted that he will "not add to additional confusion and uncertainty" while looking forward to "a swift, wise decision" by the Constitutional Court. Deputy Prime minister and Finance Minister, Choi Sang-mok became acting president shortly thereafter.