SEOUL, South Korea — In a historic moment for South Korea, impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday following a failed attempt to impose martial law last month. This marks the first time a sitting president has been detained in the nation’s history, ending a weeks-long standoff with authorities.
Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection, had previously resisted arrest by staying within his fortified residential compound, surrounded by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS). His guards had erected barbed wire and barricades, creating what opposition leaders described as a “fortress”.
Despite initially vowing to “fight to the end”, Yoon announced his compliance with the investigation to avoid “bloodshed” in a pre-recorded message after his arrest on Wednesday. His arrest followed an intense operation where hundreds of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office surrounded the residence, with some even scaling walls and navigating back trails to reach Yoon.
Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence, chanting “illegal warrant!” and waving flags in protest as he was led away in a convoy to the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3 was a shock to the nation. He had claimed it was necessary to protect South Korea from external threats and internal dissent, but his actions were met with immediate resistance from lawmakers who voted to overturn the decree just six hours later.
The arrest of Yoon comes as the Constitutional Court began its trial to consider the parliament’s impeachment motion against him, launched on Tuesday. If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, and new elections will be called within 60 days. The trial, however, was briefly adjourned due to Yoon’s absence, with the next session scheduled for Thursday.
The ruling People Power Party condemned the arrest, calling the warrant “unjust and illegal”, while the opposition Democratic Party hailed it as the “first step” in restoring legal order. Parliament speaker Woo Won-shik emphasized the need to now focus on stabilizing the country and restoring public confidence.
Yoon remains in custody for up to 48 hours, with investigators potentially needing to seek another warrant to prolong his detention. His legal team continues to challenge the legality of the arrest warrant.
This dramatic turn of events underscores one of the most significant political crises South Korea has faced in recent times, with repercussions that will likely influence the nation’s political landscape for years to come.
Key Points:
- Historic Arrest: Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s impeached president, was arrested, marking the first instance of a president being detained in the country’s history.
- Martial Law Attempt: Yoon was charged with insurrection after a failed attempt to impose martial law in late December.
- Standoff Ends: After weeks of resistance, Yoon complied with authorities to avoid bloodshed, following a standoff where his residence was fortified by loyal security forces.
- Public and Political Reaction: Supporters protested the arrest, calling the warrant illegal, while opposition leaders saw it as a step towards restoring constitutional order.
- Legal Proceedings: Yoon faces potential severe penalties like the death penalty or life in prison if found guilty. The Constitutional Court is also holding an impeachment trial, with the next session scheduled for Thursday.
- Implications: If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, leading to new elections within 60 days, highlighting a significant political crisis in South Korea.
