South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday, January 15, following a failed bid to impose martial law last month. According to an AFP report, authorities conducted a large-scale raid on his residence to execute the arrest, ending weeks of heightened tension.
Yoon, who was impeached and charged with insurrection over the attempted martial law, became the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to be detained. The arrest occurred during the second raid on his compound, with the initial attempt on January 3 thwarted by his Presidential Security Service (PSS).
In a statement earlier that morning, Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, announced the president would cooperate with investigators to prevent further confrontation. Despite his decision to appear at the Corruption Investigation Office voluntarily, Yoon was arrested at 10:33 a.m., according to officials.
The arrest followed scuffles at the residence’s gate, where Yoon’s supporters and ruling party lawmakers tried to block investigators. Supporters chanted slogans, waved flags, and accused authorities of executing an illegal warrant. Security around the residence had been fortified with barbed wire and barricades.
Yoon’s legal team has contested the validity of the arrest warrant, while the opposition criticized the heavy security measures, calling the residence a “fortress.” Investigators have up to 48 hours to hold Yoon under the existing warrant, with further extensions requiring court approval.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s impeachment trial commenced on Tuesday without his presence, citing safety concerns. Hearings are set to proceed on Thursday despite his absence.
