Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday over his failed attempt to impose martial law last month, marking the first time in the country’s history that a president has been detained.
Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection, could be sentenced to death or life imprisonment if convicted. His arrest brings an end to weeks of high tension during which he remained in his residence, guarded by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service.
In a pre-recorded video message released after his detention, Yoon said, “I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office. While I don’t accept the legality of this investigation, I am complying to avoid unfortunate bloodshed.”
Authorities surrounded Yoon’s compound before dawn on Wednesday. Hundreds of police officers and investigators scaled the walls and used back routes to reach the main building. Following a five-hour standoff, Yoon was taken into custody and transported to the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.
Outside the residence, Yoon’s supporters clashed briefly with law enforcement. Chanting “illegal warrant!” they waved South Korean and American flags while blocking the main gate in a show of defiance.
The crisis traces back to December 3, when Yoon declared martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect South Korea from threats posed by North Korea and domestic instability. Troops were deployed to parliament, but lawmakers resisted and voted against the declaration. Yoon was forced to revoke martial law just six hours later, a move that deepened the political turmoil.
Earlier efforts to arrest Yoon had proven unsuccessful. On January 3, a standoff with investigators prevented his detention. However, authorities escalated their efforts this week, culminating in Wednesday’s large-scale operation.
The conservative People Power Party, to which Yoon belongs, condemned the arrest, labelling it “illegal and unjust.” Conversely, opposition leaders welcomed the move.
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, described the arrest as “the first step toward restoring constitutional and legal order after weeks of chaos.”
Parliament Speaker Woo Won-shik added, “Now that the chaotic situation has ended, we should focus on stabilising state affairs and improving the lives of our citizens.”
In addition to the criminal charges, Yoon is facing an impeachment trial in the Constitutional Court. If the court upholds the impeachment, he will be formally removed from office, necessitating fresh presidential elections within 60 days.
The next court hearing is scheduled for Thursday, although the trial could last for months. Meanwhile, Yoon can be detained for up to 48 hours unless investigators secure a new arrest warrant.