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.

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.

Critics of the presidential security service call it a relic from the days of South Korea's strongman leaders.

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.