In a dramatic escalation of South Korea's political turmoil, opposition parties have initiated impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol. This action follows the issuance of arrest warrants for the embattled president, marking an unprecedented move against a sitting leader in the nation's history.

A court approved the warrants on Tuesday, authorizing the detention of President Yoon and searches of his office and residence. This comes amid an ongoing investigation into his controversial martial law decree issued earlier this month. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, working alongside police and military authorities, is leading the inquiry into whether the decree constitutes rebellion, a charge that could carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon's lawyer has challenged the legality of the warrants, while the president's location remains undisclosed. Although he enjoys presidential immunity from most criminal proceedings, this protection does not apply to accusations of rebellion or treason. The president is currently barred from leaving the country.

The martial law decree, imposed by Yoon in response to difficulties advancing his agenda through the opposition-controlled parliament, was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly after just six hours. The move sparked widespread protests, both for and against the president, and ultimately led to the impeachment motion. Adding to the nation's challenges is the recent Jeju Air plane crash, which claimed the lives of 179 people and remains under investigation.

The impeachment process further intensified with the removal of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president, for failing to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court. The court will ultimately decide Yoon's fate, with a two-thirds majority required for his removal. The addition of new justices could significantly impact the outcome, and the next court hearing is scheduled for Friday.

Kim Yong-hyun, Yoon's former defense minister who played a key role in the martial law decree, has also been indicted on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. Meanwhile, new acting President Choi Sang-mok is leading the task force investigating the Jeju Air tragedy.