South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested

SEOUL – In a historic development, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested today, January 15, following his impeachment and a contentious declaration of martial law in December 2024. The arrest culminated after a prolonged standoff at the presidential residence in Seoul, where Yoon had been resisting detention.

Events Leading to the Arrest

On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing alleged “anti-state activities” by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. This unprecedented move led to widespread protests and political upheaval. The National Assembly swiftly annulled the martial law declaration and voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, suspending his presidential powers pending a Constitutional Court decision.

Despite multiple summonses by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), Yoon refused to cooperate, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant on December 31. An initial attempt to detain him on January 3 was thwarted by resistance from the Presidential Security Service and his supporters. A second, more coordinated effort on January 15, involving over a thousand police officers, resulted in Yoon’s arrest.

President Yoon’s Decision to Cooperate

Facing mounting legal pressure and the potential for violent clashes between his supporters and law enforcement, President Yoon ultimately chose to surrender to authorities. In a statement prior to his arrest, he expressed his decision to comply to prevent bloodshed, though he maintained that the investigation was politically motivated and lacked legal basis.

Content of Yoon’s Speech

In a televised address before his detention, Yoon defended his actions, stating that the martial law declaration was a necessary measure to protect the nation from what he described as a “legislative dictatorship” by the opposition. He criticized the impeachment process as unconstitutional and urged his supporters to remain peaceful, emphasizing his commitment to the country’s stability and democratic principles.

Upcoming Procedures and Interim Leadership

Following Yoon’s arrest, the Constitutional Court has expedited its review of the impeachment case, with a decision expected within the next 180 days. If the court upholds the impeachment, a presidential election will be scheduled within 60 days to elect a new leader.

In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed the role of acting president, overseeing the government’s functions to ensure continuity and stability during this period of political uncertainty.

The arrest of President Yoon marks a significant moment in South Korea’s democratic history, reflecting the nation’s commitment to upholding the rule of law amid unprecedented challenges. (zai)