South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Amid Political Turmoil
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation in the country’s ongoing political crisis. the arrest follows his apprehension at his presidential compound in Seoul,where he had been detained since wednesday. Yoon faces potential imprisonment over his controversial declaration of martial law last month, a move that has plunged the nation into its most severe political upheaval as its democratization in the late 1980s.
The decision to arrest Yoon triggered violent unrest at the Seoul Western District Court. Dozens of his supporters stormed the building, destroying doors and windows using plastic chairs, metal beams, and police shields wrestled away from officers. They demanded to see the judge who issued the warrant, but she had already left the premises. Hundreds of police officers were deployed to quell the chaos, resulting in nearly 90 arrests. Injured officers were treated in ambulance vans, while the court assessed damage to its facilities. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
A Prolonged Custody Looms
Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, potentially lasting months or more. The court deliberated for eight hours before granting law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant,citing concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence. During a nearly five-hour closed-door hearing on Saturday, Yoon and his lawyers argued for his release, but the court ruled against them.
The crisis stems from Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, an attempt to break through legislative gridlock that backfired spectacularly. While South Korean presidents enjoy broad immunity from prosecution while in office, this protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. The Corruption investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend Yoon’s detention to 20 days. During this period, they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
Chaotic Scenes and Legal Battles
Yoon’s court appearance sparked chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his fervent supporters rallied for hours, demanding his release. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in dozens of arrests, including about 20 who climbed over a fence to approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they left the premises.
Yoon’s lawyers have vowed to challenge the court’s arrest warrant, arguing that his detention is unjust. During the hearing, Yoon reportedly spoke for about 40 minutes, presenting his case to the judge. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should remain in custody. Simultaneously occurring, Yoon’s defense minister, police chief, and several top military commanders have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in enforcing martial law.
Key Points at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Arrest Date | Early Sunday, January 19, 2025 |
| Location | Presidential compound in Seoul |
| Charges | Rebellion linked to martial law declaration on December 3, 2024 |
| Court Deliberation | 8 hours |
| Supporters’ riot | Dozens stormed Seoul Western District Court, resulting in 90 arrests |
| Potential Penalty | Life imprisonment or death penalty for rebellion |
| Detention Extension | Up to 20 days, pending indictment |
A Nation on Edge
the arrest of Yoon Suk yeol has left South Korea deeply divided. While his supporters decry the move as politically motivated, critics argue that his actions during the martial law declaration warrant accountability.As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, grappling with the implications of this unprecedented political crisis.
For more updates on this developing story, follow our coverage and share your thoughts on how this historic event will shape South Korea’s future.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on Dec.14.
Mr. Yoon’s political fate now lies with the Constitutional court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Mr. Yoon’s lawyers,called the court’s decision to issue the warrant “the epitome of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law,” maintaining that mr. Yoon’s claim that his martial law decree was a legitimate act of governance. He pointed to the chaos at the Seoul Western Court and said the arrest would inspire more anger from his supporters.
President Yoon’s People Power Party said it regretted the arrest but also pleaded for supporters to refrain from further violence.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative effort to impeach Mr. Yoon on Dec. 14, said his arrest would be a “cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order.” Kim Sung-hoi, a party lawmaker and spokesperson, called for stern punishment of Mr. Yoon’s supporters who stormed the court.
“I urge police to firmly enforce the law so that forces supporting rebellion will never even think of causing turmoil again,” he said.
Mr. Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and the presidential security service, to attend the hearing at the court ahead of its warrant decision.
The motorcade entered the court’s basement parking space as thousands of the president’s supporters gathered in nearby streets amid a heavy police presence.Following the hearing, Mr. Yoon was transported back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. He did not speak to reporters.
After its investigators were attacked by protesters later on Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to obscure the faces of its members attending the hearing.
President Yoon says martial law decree is legitimate
President Yoon and his lawyers have claimed that the martial law declaration was intended as a temporary and “peaceful” warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority. He says the troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate election fraud allegations, which remain unsubstantiated in south Korea.
The president has stressed he had no intention of stopping the functioning of the legislature.He stated that the troops were sent there to maintain order,not prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. He denied allegations that he ordered the arrests of key politicians and election officials.
Military commanders, though, have described a deliberate attempt to seize the legislature that was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped lawmakers enter the assembly, and by the troops’ reluctance or refusal to follow Yoon’s orders.
If prosecutors indict Mr. Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, the allegations now being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before trial.
If the first court convicts him and issues a prison term, Mr. Yoon would serve that sentence as the case possibly moves up to the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
– This story was reported by The Associated press
