Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s anti-corruption agency has announced the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over accusations of insurrection tied to his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, is reportedly refusing to cooperate with investigators.
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The dramatic arrest occurred early Wednesday morning after a tense standoff at the presidential compound in Seoul. Yoon stated that he surrendered to questioning to prevent violence, as more than 3,000 police officers surrounded his residence to enforce the arrest warrant.
“When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIO’s investigation — despite it being an illegal investigation — to prevent unsavory bloodshed,” Yoon said in a statement.
Arrest Amid Controversy
The embattled president was transported to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) headquarters in Gwacheon, where he is being interrogated by a joint team from the CIO, police, and defense ministry. Yoon faces allegations of insurrection and abuse of power linked to his martial law declaration.
Despite his detention, Yoon has refused to testify, with a CIO official confirming that the sessions are not being recorded due to his objections. The agency has 48 hours to decide whether to seek an extension or release him.
In a recorded video message released after his arrest, Yoon reiterated his stance, calling the investigation “illegal” and defending his decision to impose martial law. “Martial law is not a crime. Martial law is an exercise of presidential authority to overcome a national crisis,” he stated.
Pre-Dawn Operation
The operation to arrest Yoon began at 3:20 a.m. local time, involving 3,200 police officers and dozens of CIO agents. The heavily fortified presidential residence, guarded by the Presidential Security Service (PSS), posed a significant challenge to authorities.
At 5:10 a.m., police and prosecutors presented the arrest warrant to the PSS. Despite resistance from the president’s loyalists, including over 6,000 supporters who had gathered outside the compound, the authorities successfully detained Yoon.
The large police presence included riot officers prepared to handle the supporters who had vowed to block access to the residence. By 10:33 a.m., a convoy transporting Yoon departed for the CIO headquarters.
Fallout and Public Reaction
Yoon’s arrest marks an unprecedented moment in South Korean history, underscoring the intensifying scrutiny of presidential powers and accountability. Public opinion remains sharply divided, with some criticizing the move as politically motivated while others see it as a necessary step toward justice.
The investigation into Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which critics argue undermined democratic principles, continues to dominate national discourse. The CIO has vowed to proceed with impartiality as the case unfolds.
This arrest adds another chapter to South Korea’s history of holding leaders accountable, reflecting the nation’s complex political landscape and the enduring tension between executive authority and democratic accountability.
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