SEOUL: South Korea's recently impeached President, Yoon Suk Yeol, has vowed to "fight to the end to protect the country" in a message directed at his supporters on Wednesday. The declaration comes amid legal troubles following his impeachment over attempts to impose martial law.

According to Anadolu Agency, Yoon addressed his supporters from his residence in Seoul through an intermediary. The message, which was written on an A4 sheet and signed by Yoon, criticized internal and external forces for putting South Korea in jeopardy and emphasized his dedication to safeguarding the nation.

Yoon expressed gratitude to his followers, acknowledging their consistent support through YouTube livestreams. He affirmed his commitment to a "free democracy" where the people, not the state or any political party, hold sovereignty.

The political turmoil surrounding Yoon intensified after the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant against him on Tuesday. The warrant, which remains valid until Monday, follows his impeachment on December 14 due to his short-lived attempt at declaring martial law. Yoon has so far defied four summons from investigators pertaining to charges of insurrection and treason.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) requested the arrest warrant. Yoon is accused of orchestrating a failed martial law declaration on December 3 and abusing his power. This makes him the first sitting president in South Korea to face such serious charges, including treason and a travel ban, in what is being perceived as a shocking move by the nation.