South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, ending weeks of political tension surrounding allegations of insurrection. Yoon stated that he chose to cooperate with the investigation to avoid “bloodshed,” following the deployment of over 3,000 police officers to his residence.
Yoon, who was impeached after declaring martial law on December 3, had been barricaded in his hillside home with private security. This arrest marks the first for an incumbent South Korean president and adds another chapter to the country’s history of prosecuting former leaders.
Speaking after his arrest, Yoon accused the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) of being illegal and aimed at humiliating him. Despite his objections, he arrived at the CIO’s offices Wednesday morning in a motorcade, submitting himself for questioning.
Authorities have 48 hours to interrogate Yoon, after which they must either secure a detention warrant for up to 20 days or release him. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is reviewing whether to uphold his impeachment, which would permanently remove him from office.
The arrest attempt unfolded in the early hours, capturing nationwide attention as live broadcasts showed police storming the premises using ladders and wire cutters. Tearful pro-Yoon supporters clashed with law enforcement, waving flags with slogans like “Stop the Steal” in defense of Yoon’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.
Despite public disapproval of Yoon’s martial law decree, his supporters have rallied behind him, comparing his situation to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) has experienced a resurgence, with recent polls showing its support at 40.8%, narrowing the gap with the opposition Democratic Party.
