SEOUL, South Korea — In a historic development, South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained for questioning regarding insurrection charges, following his controversial declaration of martial law a month and a half ago.
Yoon has become the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be arrested, signaling a significant escalation in South Korean politics.
His detention marks the conclusion of a tense few weeks marked by fears of potential clashes between the presidential security detail and law enforcement, prompted by the issuance of an arrest warrant for Yoon.
Despite his arrest, political turmoil is expected to persist, as Yoon and his party supporters remain resolute in contesting the insurrection allegations against them.
Yoon has claimed that the declaration of martial law was imperative due to what he termed the opposition’s “legislative dictatorship,” which he argued has hindered state functioning and disrupted social harmony. In a video released after his detention, he decried the investigation and arrest warrant as “illegal,” stating he complied with law enforcement to avert violent confrontations.
The first attempt to detain Yoon on January 3 ended without success after a five-hour standoff with his security team. The Chief Prosecutor from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials acknowledged facing “organized resistance” from armed security personnel.
In a more assertive move, the CIO reinforced its operational capacity ahead of the second attempt, mobilizing over 3,000 riot police and detectives for a pre-dawn operation to arrest Yoon. Warnings were issued to the presidential security detail that obstructing public duties could lead to arrests and job loss.
Police successfully negotiated with Yoon’s representatives for over two hours inside the presidential residence before Yoon’s convoy departed the compound.
Outside the presidential residence, demonstrators erupted in celebration upon confirmation of Yoon’s detention, with many expressing their relief. “This is the happiest I’ve been in my life,” stated Choi Haysu, a young student who took part in the protests against Yoon.
Many young South Koreans, particularly those born after the military dictatorship eras, are actively participating in demonstrations advocating for Yoon’s removal, having previously taken South Korea’s stable democracy for granted. “Most people live with constant anxiety, checking every morning if Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested,” shared Min So Won, a 24-year-old protester.
A recent Gallup poll highlights that 75% of South Koreans aged 18 to 29 are in favor of Yoon’s impeachment. Following the National Assembly’s impeachment motion passed on December 14, formal hearings are now underway with the Constitutional Court to determine Yoon’s fate.
In stark contrast, older generations exhibit more support for Yoon, with 36% of those aged 70 and above opposing the impeachment.
As the CIO has the authority to hold Yoon for 48 hours, it is anticipated that the agency will file for an arrest warrant, allowing for up to 20 additional days of questioning.
