South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Taken Into Custody Amid Political Crisis
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested by the country’s anti-corruption agency for questioning, marking a significant development in a political crisis that has been unfolding for weeks. His detention follows a controversial martial law declaration made last month, which led to multiple investigations, including one into charges of insurrection—a crime punishable by life imprisonment or death.
Yoon was apprehended Wednesday morning after emerging from his heavily secured residence, where he had remained for weeks, surrounded by his Presidential Security Service to avoid arrest.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), in collaboration with police and the defense ministry, had previously attempted to detain him earlier this month, but a standoff with security forces thwarted their efforts.
The arrest warrant permits investigators to hold Yoon for 48 hours, after which they must request a formal warrant to extend his detention.
Following his arrest, Yoon released a pre-recorded message, labeling the investigations as “illegal” and criticizing the system as broken. “As president, it is my duty to protect the constitution. I will not recognize these invalid procedures and aim to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” he stated.
Outside Yoon’s residence, both supporters and opponents gathered in subzero temperatures. Protesters shouted slogans like “resign” and “take responsibility,” while his supporters countered with chants of “invalid impeachment” and “free ROK, hurrah!” Police and protester buses cordoned off the streets, heightening tensions.
The situation stems from Yoon’s unexpected martial law declaration on December 3, which he argued was necessary to protect South Korea from “anti-state forces.” Parliament, including members from Yoon’s own party, swiftly voted to revoke the decree, which sparked public outcry and recalled memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past.
Yoon’s legal team has described the detention warrant as “illegal and invalid” and pledged to challenge it in court. Meanwhile, the president faces an impeachment trial after a parliamentary vote last month to remove him from power. The Constitutional Court is now reviewing whether to formally oust him or reinstate him.
Yoon’s martial law decree has thrown South Korea into political disarray. Parliament recently impeached both the prime minister and acting president, Han Duck-soo, leaving Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok as the acting president. The Constitutional Court is prioritizing Yoon’s impeachment case, along with other ongoing investigations into his administration.
The crisis continues to unravel, leaving the country in a state of uncertainty as it awaits decisions that could dramatically reshape its political future.
