Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s impeached president, has been arrested, marking a historic moment as the first sitting leader in the nation to face detention. He is under investigation for his contentious declaration of martial law last month, following a standoff at his official residence in Seoul.
CIO officials reported that Yoon refused to answer questions during two and a half hours of interrogation but did not elaborate on his reasons for remaining silent.
In a video message released ahead of his arrest, Yoon stated that he had agreed to cooperate with anti-corruption authorities to “prevent unnecessary bloodshed” amid a crisis that has destabilized South Korean politics and alarmed its international allies. After his detention, Yoon declared that the rule of law had “completely collapsed.”
His lawyer stated that, “President Yoon has decided to personally appear at the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) today,” and that he would make a speech.
A convoy of vehicles, one believed to be transporting Yoon, was spotted departing the presidential residence and later arriving at the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency leading the investigation. Yoon was subsequently seen entering the agency’s offices.
The operation to arrest the president commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, as investigators cordoned off streets surrounding the residence with police buses while thousands of officers were deployed to secure the area.
According to witness reports, an unarmed team of investigators from the CIO, accompanied by police officers, attempted to enter the residential compound but were stopped at the entrance gate by unidentified individuals.
Investigators were attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Yoon on charges that his declaration of martial law constituted insurrection—a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok stated early on Wednesday, “This situation is a crucial moment for maintaining order and the rule of law in South Korea.”
Yoon’s arrest is considered by many a “turning point,” as the allegations against him are quite serious. Being arrested marks the beginning of the legal process, but he has not yet been formally charged.
If convicted, Yoon would face a heavy fine, prison time or even the death penalty.
His arrest also signifies the conclusion of a pivotal phase in the effort to hold the ultra-conservative accountable for his actions on December 3, when he declared martial law and deployed armed troops to block lawmakers from entering the national assembly building.
The political and criminal cases against Yoon are set to unfold in the coming weeks and months, but it remains uncertain how they will ultimately resolve.
Yoon could face a criminal trial on charges of insurrection while potentially being reinstated by the constitutional court. In the worst-case scenario, however, he could be tried for insurrection and removed from office by the constitutional court.
