Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Amid South Korea’s Political Crisis

Seoul, South Korea – January 15, 2025 – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made history on Wednesday morning by becoming the first sitting president in the country to be arrested. The dramatic arrest followed a tense standoff with authorities over multiple attempts to detain him for investigation into charges of insurrection.

The Arrest: Early Morning Operation

At around dawn on January 15, more than 1,000 police officers were deployed in freezing temperatures to execute the arrest warrant against President Yoon. Using ladders and wirecutters, they broke through barricades set up by his Presidential Security Service (PSS) to prevent his capture.

Yoon, who is under investigation for his role in the failed declaration of martial law, agreed to appear before the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for questioning. In a brief video message, the 64-year-old president expressed his intention to comply with the investigation, despite his belief that the arrest warrant was not legally valid. He emphasized his decision to cooperate in order to prevent any violent conflict during the operation.

A Nation Divided: Reactions to Yoon’s Arrest

The arrest sparked strong reactions both in favor and against the president. Supporters of Yoon expressed anger, claiming that the rule of law had been undermined. “We are very upset and angry,” one supporter told reporters. “This is a breakdown of the system.”

On the other hand, opposition members celebrated the arrest as a victory for justice and democracy. “This is the first step toward restoring constitutional order and the rule of law in South Korea,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party.

Yoon’s Legal Struggles and Political Fallout

The arrest comes amid growing political unrest in South Korea. Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law led to turmoil and ultimately resulted in his impeachment by parliament. While his impeachment remains under review by the Constitutional Court, Yoon is technically still the president. However, his influence has waned significantly, with his administration facing mounting opposition from a parliament controlled by the opposition.

Following his questioning, Yoon was expected to be detained at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, located about 5 km from the CIO office. Authorities have 48 hours to secure a court-issued detention warrant, or Yoon will be released and allowed to return to his presidential residence.

The Ongoing Political Crisis

The arrest is just another chapter in the unfolding political crisis in South Korea. The country has been deeply divided over Yoon’s leadership, with public protests and clashes over his actions. While the incident has garnered widespread attention, the political instability is far from over. As tensions continue to rise, South Korea’s future political direction remains uncertain, with the current acting president, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, leading the country in the interim.

The arrest of a sitting president is unprecedented in South Korean history, and it has left the nation grappling with questions about the future of its political system and the role of the presidency