Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a defiant speech to conservative supporters gathered outside his Seoul residence, vowing to “fight to the end” against what he called “anti-state forces.” The address comes as law enforcement prepares to enforce a detention warrant linked to Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration on December 3.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has one week to execute the arrest warrant, issued Tuesday by a Seoul court. The warrant follows Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with questioning and alleged obstruction of office searches, actions that have hindered the investigation into whether his brief imposition of martial law constitutes rebellion.

Oh Dong-woon, chief prosecutor of the anti-corruption agency, indicated that police units might be deployed if Yoon’s presidential security service resists the detention effort. While the warrant could be enforced as early as Thursday, it remains unclear whether Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning.

Yoon’s legal team issued a strong warning, stating that any use of police forces to detain him would exceed the CIO’s legal authority. The team also claimed that police officers attempting to detain Yoon could themselves face arrest by “the presidential security service or citizens.”

Speaking to hundreds of supporters on Wednesday evening, Yoon doubled down on his stance, accusing his opponents of “violating our sovereignty” and threatening the nation’s stability. He praised his supporters for defending South Korea’s “liberal democracy and constitutional order.” In a message shared via his lawyers, Yoon noted he had been following their protests through live YouTube broadcasts.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which led the December 14 impeachment vote against Yoon over the martial law decree, accused him of inciting his supporters to obstruct the detention process. The party called on law enforcement to act swiftly to enforce the warrant.

By Thursday morning, a growing crowd of Yoon’s supporters had gathered near his residence, waving South Korean and American flags and displaying signs opposing his impeachment. Police maintained a heavy presence in the area to manage tensions.

The standoff highlights deep political divisions in South Korea as authorities weigh how to proceed with the unprecedented detention of a sitting president under impeachment. The unfolding events could have significant implications for the nation’s constitutional order and its international reputation.