Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested After Failed Martial Law Attempt
The impeached president of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday after a tense standoff with authorities that lasted for weeks. Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection for his failed attempt to impose martial law last month, became the first South Korean president to be detained in the nation’s history.
The former prosecutor and leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) had sought to avoid arrest by staying within his residential compound, protected by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS). His residence was fortified with barbed wire and barricades, which opposition parties described as a “fortress.”
Yoon’s attempted martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, sent troops to parliament in an effort to safeguard South Korea from what he described as “communist forces” from North Korea and “anti-state elements.” However, lawmakers resisted and voted against the move, forcing Yoon to revoke the martial law after just six hours.
Despite the first attempt to arrest him on January 3 being thwarted following a confrontation between his guards and anti-graft investigators, authorities made a second attempt early Wednesday. Hundreds of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office surrounded the compound, with some scaling walls to reach the main building. After a five-hour standoff, Yoon was arrested and taken to the offices of the Corruption Investigation Office.
In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon stated he was complying with the investigation to prevent “unfortunate bloodshed,” although he expressed his disagreement with the legality of the proceedings. Yoon’s supporters, who had gathered outside his residence, protested the arrest, chanting “illegal warrant” and waving flags.
Yoon’s legal team has repeatedly argued that the arrest warrant was unlawful, a stance supported by his ruling party, which condemned the action as unjust. The PPP’s floor leader, Kweon Seong-dong, apologized to Yoon’s supporters, claiming the warrant was illegal.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has launched a trial to rule on the impeachment of Yoon. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will lose the presidency, and new elections must be held within 60 days. However, the proceedings are expected to take months.
The opposition Democratic Party welcomed Yoon’s arrest, viewing it as a step toward restoring constitutional order. The speaker of parliament echoed these sentiments, urging the focus now be on stabilizing the country and improving people’s livelihoods.
