South Korean President Arrested Amid Controversy Over Brief Martial Law Attempt

Wednesday 15 January 2025 - 07:32

South Korean investigators have detained President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection related to a short-lived declaration of martial law that was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly. This marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has been arrested while in office.

Officials confirmed that Yoon was taken into custody on January 15 at 10:33 am local time. The deputy chief of the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), Lee Jae-seung, oversaw the questioning, with Yoon's legal team present. Following the interrogation, Yoon was transferred to the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang.

In a prerecorded message released after his arrest, Yoon stated he agreed to cooperate with investigators to avoid "bloodshed," though he contested the investigation's legality. Authorities reported using ladders to access Yoon's residence after his security team blocked their entry. Thousands of supporters and members of Yoon's political party gathered outside his home, attempting to prevent his arrest.

Yoon has remained silent during questioning and declined to allow the interrogation to be recorded. Investigators, equipped with a detailed 200-page questionnaire, now have 48 hours to decide whether to seek a warrant for his continued detention or release him.

This arrest follows Yoon's absence from the opening of his impeachment trial. The trial stems from his December 3, 2024, declaration of martial law, citing threats from North Korea and internal dissent. The National Assembly swiftly voted to impeach him after the declaration, which he revoked just six hours later.

Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment have triggered unprecedented political turmoil in South Korea. Despite his earlier reputation as a prosecutor, his popularity has plummeted, and his actions have drawn widespread criticism.