Deadlock ends: South Korean president Yoon arrested over insurrection
Yoon has become 1st sitting president to face arrest warrant, accused of insurrection and abuse of power. PHOTO: AFP
South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday over allegations of insurrection. The embattled leader stated he agreed to cooperate with the investigation to prevent "bloodshed," bringing an end to weeks of tense political deadlock.
Following his abrupt and short-lived declaration of martial law on 3 December, Yoon had remained in his hillside residence, heavily guarded by personal security forces who previously thwarted an earlier attempt to detain him.
Lawmakers had voted to impeach him shortly after, suspending his presidential duties.
This marks the first time an incumbent South Korean president has been arrested, adding another dramatic chapter to the nation's vibrant democracy, which has a history of prosecuting former leaders.
Yoon, defiant yet resolute, claimed he submitted to questioning to avoid violence, after more than 3,000 police officers arrived at his residence early on Wednesday to enforce his arrest.
"When I saw them breach the security perimeter using firefighting equipment today, I decided to comply with the CIO's investigation — despite it being unlawful — to prevent needless bloodshed," Yoon stated.
He was later seen arriving at the anti-corruption agency's offices, which is leading the investigation. Officials now have 48 hours to interrogate him, after which they must either seek a warrant for his detention for up to 20 days or release him.
Yoon's legal team has denounced the attempts to detain him, arguing they are both unlawful and aimed at humiliating him publicly. Meanwhile, local news reports speculating on the likelihood of his formal detention prompted minor scuffles between tearful pro-Yoon supporters and police near his residence, according to a Reuters witness.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law shocked the nation, disrupted South Korea's economic stability, and plunged the country into political chaos.
Lawmakers impeached him on 14 December, but the Constitutional Court is still deliberating whether to uphold the impeachment and permanently remove him from office or reinstate his presidential powers.