In a historic move, South Korea’s impeached former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday following a dramatic standoff at his residence. The arrest came after hundreds of anti-corruption investigators and police stormed his compound, ending weeks of resistance by the embattled leader.
Yoon, who served as president until his impeachment, faces serious charges of insurrection for attempting to impose martial law last month. His actions marked a brief yet significant moment in South Korean politics, as he became the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be arrested. If convicted, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Yoon, a former prosecutor and leader of the conservative People Power Party, had been holed up in his residence, where he was protected by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service. His supporters fortified the compound with barricades and barbed wire, which critics described as a “fortress.” An earlier attempt to arrest him on January 3 had failed after hours of tense confrontation with investigators.
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However, on Wednesday morning, authorities launched another effort. A large group of police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office surrounded the residence. After several hours, Yoon was arrested and taken to the Corruption Investigation Office’s headquarters. In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon expressed his defiance but stated he was complying with authorities to prevent bloodshed, despite rejecting the legality of the investigation.
As authorities moved in, Yoon’s loyal supporters clashed with police, and several lawmakers from the People Power Party attempted to block the arrest. The tense standoff escalated as protestors chanted “illegal warrant!” outside the compound.
Yoon’s arrest follows a shocking move on December 3, when he declared martial law, citing threats from North Korea and internal “anti-state elements.” The declaration led to a brief military presence in parliament, but lawmakers quickly rejected the move, and Yoon revoked the martial law order after just six hours.
The Constitutional Court is also reviewing the impeachment case against Yoon. If upheld, the impeachment will remove Yoon from office permanently, triggering new presidential elections within 60 days. The court session was adjourned on Tuesday, and the next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Yoon’s arrest has sparked strong reactions, with the opposition Democratic Party celebrating the move as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. Despite the long wait, opposition leaders expressed relief that justice is being served in South Korea.