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South Korean policemen are seen on guard near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

 
South Korean investigators on Wednesday entered the presidential residence to attempt the arrest of the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, TV footage showed, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

According to Yonhap News, as of 7:30 am, dozens of police officials had entered the compound in central Seoul and passed through a barricade to carry out warrants to detain Yoon and search his residence about 2.5 hours they began their attempt.

Investigators were initially blocked by the Presidential Security Service, which set up a barricade using vehicles near the entrance. They were also blocked by a group of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party and Yoon's lawyers at the entrance. Some investigators appeared to attempt to secure access to the compound through a nearby hiking trail, according to Yonhap. 
 
Large crowds gathered outside the residence, with police initially estimating that around 6,500 supporters of the impeached president were present. Police have deployed some 3,000 personnel to secure access to the compound, with physical clashes taking place between investigators and Yoon's supporters, Yonhap reported.

Investigators failed to detain Yoon earlier this month after an hourslong standoff with his security staff at the residence where Yoon has been holed up since the National Assembly impeached him on December 14. 
 
Yoon's lawyer said that they are holding negotiations with investigators over Yoon's voluntary appearance. However, The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said they are coordinating execution of warrant to detain Yoon, not considering his voluntary appearance, according to Yonhap.