PANews reported on January 3 that the Public Prosecutor's Office held a press conference to introduce the execution of the arrest warrant for Yoon Seok-yeol. The Public Prosecutor's Office said that 200 meters in front of the presidential residence, more than 10 vehicles blocked the road leading to the residence. More than 200 staff members and soldiers of the Presidential Guard Office prevented the execution of the arrest warrant. In the process of entering the presidential residence, physical conflicts of varying degrees continued to occur. Investigators were unable to confirm whether Yoon Seok-yeol was in the residence.

The ruling People's Power Party said the arrests were unfair and beyond its authority; the leader of the largest opposition party called for the arrest of those who obstructed the execution. Acting President Choi Sang-moo emphasized the stability of South Korea-US relations and reiterated his firm stance on foreign and security policies.