LAW enforcement authorities requested a court warrant today  to formally arrest South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol.

Mr Yoon was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residence after his lawyers failed in a last-minute effort to secure his release.

He faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis in decades.

Mr Yoon’s detention was initially authorised until 9.05pm today, but was expected to be extended as a Seoul court reviews the request for formal arrest.

Investigators will then have up to 20 days to transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Hundreds of his supporters gathered near the Seoul Western District Court, calling for his release.

Mr Yoon imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices.

But the standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure.

The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14.