The Presidential Security Service is facing additional criticism over its move to block the enforcement of an arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, after it was revealed that its use of military personnel to do so came in the face of explicit opposition from the acting defense minister.

The chief of security for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Sunday he could not cooperate with efforts to arrest the impeached leader, in remarks that could push the political crisis towards another high-stakes confrontation.

Investigators withdrew from Yoon Suk Yeol's residence after the South Korean presidential security service blocked their attempt to arrest him during a six-hour standoff.View on euronews

Officials called off the effort due to concerns over the safety of its personnel after they were outnumbered by cordons of presidential security service personnel inside the compound.

SEOUL -- Chief of South Korea's presidential security service, Park Jong-joon, on Sunday vowed to keep blocking an attempt to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Investigators failed to take Yoon Suk Yeol into custody following a standoff with the presidential security service last week.

The president was suspended from his duties last month following a failed bid to impose martial law and his subsequent impeachment by parliament on December 14. Law enforcement authorities are seeking Yoon’s arrest as part of an investigation into alleged treason and abuse of power.

Both supporters and protesters staged rallies near the residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday, a day before an arrest warrant for him expires. On the day, conservative groups supporting Yoon and labor groups which hold opposing views called on the public to gather outside the presidential residence.