Why Did Yoon Suk Yeol Order His Guards to Show Their Guns? Inside the Shocking Allegations Against Korea’s Ex-President

The Arrest Warrant That Shook Korea: What Happened?

Did you know that in July 2025, South Korea’s political scene was rocked by the arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol? The special counsel’s investigation revealed that Yoon allegedly ordered his security team to openly display firearms during an attempted arrest by investigators. This move, intended to intimidate police and disrupt the execution of a warrant, has become a lightning rod for controversy. The 66-page arrest warrant details not only this incident but also accusations of evidence destruction and the spread of false information after the declaration of martial law. The allegations have led to heated debates across the country, with many asking: How did it come to this?

Martial Law and the December Crisis: The Political Earthquake

Let’s rewind to December 2024. Yoon Suk Yeol, facing mounting opposition and political paralysis, declared emergency martial law. He claimed the move was necessary to protect South Korea from internal threats and accused the opposition of anti-state activities. For the first time since 1979, martial law was imposed, sparking protests and a swift parliamentary vote to lift the decree. The National Assembly’s decisive action, combined with public outrage, set the stage for Yoon’s impeachment and the subsequent legal battles that would dominate headlines for months.

The Firearm Order: ‘Show the Guns, Scare the Police’

Here’s where things get intense. According to testimonies from Kim Seong-hoon, then-deputy chief of the Presidential Security Service, Yoon instructed his guards to patrol visibly armed, believing police would back down if confronted by guns. This wasn’t just about protection—it was a calculated show of force. The special counsel claims Yoon’s directive was part of a broader effort to obstruct justice and resist arrest. Community forums like DC Inside and FM Korea buzzed with debate: Was this a desperate act of self-preservation, or a reckless abuse of presidential power?

Destroying Evidence and the Secret Phone Scandal

But that’s not all. The investigation uncovered that Yoon allegedly pressured officials to delete secure phone records belonging to military commanders involved in the martial law operation. This so-called ‘secret phone’ episode added another layer to the scandal. While Yoon’s legal team insists these actions were within legal bounds and that no records were actually deleted, critics argue it’s a textbook case of evidence tampering. On Naver and Nate Pann, users questioned whether such moves were ever justified, especially from someone who once led the nation’s prosecution service.

False Press Releases and the Battle for Public Opinion

After martial law was lifted, Yoon is accused of instructing his overseas PR secretary to distribute press materials framing the declaration as legitimate and constitutional. According to the special counsel, these releases contained false information, including claims that lawmakers were not restricted from entering the National Assembly. This attempt to control the narrative drew sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers. On Instiz and Daum, netizens dissected every statement, with some expressing sympathy for Yoon’s predicament, while others condemned what they saw as a blatant attempt to mislead the world.

Community Reactions: From Outrage to Cynicism

Korean online communities erupted with reactions as the details of the arrest warrant became public. On Theqoo, a top comment read, ‘Is this a movie or real life? I can’t believe a president would go this far.’ Another on DC Inside sarcastically noted, ‘Guess he thought he was still the prosecutor-in-chief, not the president.’ Yet, there were defenders, especially on conservative boards, arguing that Yoon was protecting the office of the presidency from political vendettas. This polarization reflects deeper divides in Korean society about power, justice, and the legacy of strongman politics.

Cultural Insights: Why This Scandal Hits So Hard in Korea

For international readers, it’s important to understand the cultural context. South Korea’s history is marked by traumatic experiences with authoritarian rule, military coups, and mass protests. The memory of past presidents using force to suppress dissent is still fresh for many. That’s why allegations of a president ordering his guards to brandish firearms or tamper with evidence resonate so deeply. The scandal isn’t just about one man’s actions—it’s a test of Korea’s democratic resilience and the public’s demand for accountability.

What Happens Next? The Road Ahead for Yoon and Korea

As of June 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol remains in custody, facing a slew of charges ranging from abuse of power to attempted insurrection. The special counsel’s investigation is ongoing, with potential indictments against other former officials looming. Meanwhile, Korea’s online spaces remain battlegrounds for competing narratives, with every new revelation fueling fresh waves of debate. For now, the nation watches—and waits—to see if justice will be served, and what lessons will be drawn from one of the most dramatic chapters in its modern political history.