South Korea's political crisis: What could happen next?

South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence on Jan 3 over a failed martial law bid but were blocked by his security forces.

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They stood down just days before the warrant's deadline expires on Jan 6.

AFP takes a look at what could happen next:

ANOTHER ARREST

The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) may attempt to execute the arrest warrant for Mr Yoon again before the Jan 6 deadline.

"Future actions will be decided after further review," it said after halting its initial attempt.

If he is arrested before that date, the CIO will have 48 hours to either request a new warrant for his formal arrest or release him.

Mr Yoon's lawyers have repeatedly said that the warrant issued by the court is unlawful and illegal, pledging to take further legal action against it.

The Presidential Security Service has also asserted that the CIO "unlawfully intruded" into the presidential residence, and said it would hold the investigators "legally accountable" for their actions.

Even if Jan 6 comes and goes, the CIO can reapply for the same seven-day detention warrant.

STRONGER WARRANT

If they fail to detain Mr Yoon before the Jan 6 deadline, investigators could seek a new, stronger arrest warrant that would allow them to detain him longer than the 48 hours allowed under the current court order.