In a historic and dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday over his controversial attempt to impose martial law, marking the first time a South Korean leader will be detained.
Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection, had resisted arrest for weeks, fortifying his residential compound with barbed wire and barricades, guarded by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS).
However, authorities successfully apprehended him following a pre-dawn raid.
Hundreds of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office surrounded Yoon’s residence before dawn, scaling walls and navigating back trails to reach the main building.
The standoff lasted five hours before Yoon surrendered, releasing a pre-recorded video statement.
Yon said, “I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office.
“Although I do not accept the legality of this investigation, I am complying to prevent any unfortunate bloodshed.”
He was subsequently taken to the offices of the Corruption Investigation Office, where questioning began immediately.
Outside the compound, Yoon’s supporters clashed with authorities, chanting “illegal warrant!” while waving South Korean and American flags. Some protesters lay on the ground in an attempt to block the arrest, calling the charges against Yoon unjust.
“History will inevitably record the fact that the CIO and the police executed an unjust and illegal warrant,” said Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP).
The controversy began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from North Korea and so-called “anti-state elements.”
However, lawmakers defied his order, voting overwhelmingly to reject martial law. Facing intense backlash, Yoon revoked the decree after just six hours.
The incident led to Yoon’s impeachment by parliament and a Constitutional Court trial, which is ongoing. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will lose the presidency, triggering fresh elections within 60 days.
The opposition Democratic Party welcomed Yoon’s detention, describing it as a step toward restoring order. “This is the first step to restoring constitutional and legal order after weeks of turmoil,” said floor leader Park Chan-dae.
Speaker of Parliament Woo Won-shik echoed these sentiments, calling for a focus on stabilizing the nation. “Now that the chaotic situation has ended, we should concentrate our efforts on stabilizing state affairs and restoring people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Yoon’s arrest adds to the turmoil surrounding his impeachment trial, which began Tuesday. The court will decide whether to uphold parliament’s impeachment decision.
If upheld, Yoon will face a loss of presidency and potential criminal sentencing, including life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted of insurrection.
The arrest also raises questions about the future of Yoon’s People Power Party and its prospects in any upcoming elections.
Yoon can be held for 48 hours without a renewed arrest warrant. Investigators are expected to apply for an extension to continue probing his actions.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court trial resumes Thursday, with proceedings likely to last for months.
