Impeached South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday following his failed attempt to impose martial law, marking the end of a prolonged standoff with authorities and making him the first president in the country’s history to face detention.
Yoon, accused of insurrection over last month’s brief martial law bid, stated he would cooperate with investigators to prevent “bloodshed.”
A former prosecutor and leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Yoon rose to power in 2022. If convicted of insurrection, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
For weeks, Yoon avoided arrest by staying within his fortified residential compound, guarded by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS). Barbed wire and barricades had transformed the residence into what critics called a “fortress.”
Despite vowing to “fight to the end,” Yoon evaded an initial arrest attempt on January 3, which saw a tense hours-long standoff between his guards and law enforcement officials. However, early Wednesday morning, a larger force of police and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office encircled the compound. Some scaled walls and took back routes to reach the main building.
After a five-hour standoff, authorities announced Yoon’s arrest. In a pre-recorded video, Yoon said he was complying with the investigation to avoid violence, though he questioned its legality.
Yoon was escorted from his residence in a convoy and taken to the Corruption Investigation Office, where questioning began shortly after his arrival, according to Yonhap.
Supporters of Yoon, who had gathered outside the compound, clashed briefly with authorities, chanting “illegal warrant!” while waving South Korean and American flags. Some even laid on the ground in protest.
A Defiant Stand
On December 3, Yoon stunned the nation by declaring martial law, citing the need to protect South Korea from “North Korea’s communist threats” and “anti-state elements.” Troops were deployed to parliament, but lawmakers defied the move and voted against martial law, forcing Yoon to revoke the order after just six hours.
Following his arrest, Yoon’s legal team and party members condemned the warrant as illegal. PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong declared the actions of the Corruption Investigation Office and police to be unjust, apologising to Yoon’s supporters.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court began a trial on Tuesday to determine the validity of Yoon’s impeachment by parliament. If upheld, Yoon would lose the presidency, triggering fresh elections within 60 days. The trial, initially delayed after Yoon’s refusal to attend, is set to resume Thursday, with proceedings potentially extending for months.
The opposition Democratic Party welcomed Yoon’s arrest. Party floor leader Park Chan-dae called it “the first step” toward restoring constitutional order. Parliament Speaker Woo Won echoed this sentiment, urging efforts to stabilise governance and focus on improving citizens’ livelihoods.shik said.
