Image Credits - Reuters
In a historic turn of events, South Korean authorities on Wednesday arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection related to his short-lived declaration of martial law last month. This makes Yoon the first sitting president in South Korea to be taken into custody.
The arrest followed weeks of tension after Yoon had retreated to his heavily secured residence in central Seoul. A convoy escorted by police and anti-corruption investigators was seen transporting him to the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) offices under tight security.
More than 3,000 officers participated in a dramatic raid earlier that day to secure his detention. Investigators resorted to scaling the compound’s walls with ladders after clashes erupted between Yoon’s personal security and law enforcement.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3 shocked the nation, plunging South Korea into an unprecedented political crisis. Lawmakers swiftly moved to impeach him on December 14, suspending his presidential duties.
His attempt to bypass democratic norms was met with widespread condemnation, with critics accusing him of undermining the nation’s constitution.
In a video statement released shortly before his arrest, Yoon decried the move, claiming the “rule of law has completely collapsed” in South Korea. Despite his objections, he stated that he would comply with the arrest warrant to avoid further confrontation between law enforcement and his personal guards.
Acting Presidential Security Chief Kim Sung-hoon was also arrested for his role in blocking the initial arrest attempt. South Korea now faces a delicate political moment as it grapples with the fallout from this unprecedented scandal.