The Arrest Marks a New Chapter in South Korea’s Political Crisis
South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025, over accusations of insurrection for attempting to impose martial law last month. Authorities confirmed the arrest, stating that the Joint Investigation Headquarters executed an arrest warrant for Yoon at 10:33 AM local time (01:30 GMT).
The arrest followed a dramatic standoff at Yoon’s residence, where investigators were initially blocked by the Presidential Security Service, requiring them to scale the compound’s walls to detain him.
In a prerecorded video message released after his arrest, Yoon claimed that he had agreed to submit to questioning in order to prevent “bloodshed.” Despite acknowledging his disagreement with the legality of the investigation, he emphasized his cooperation to avoid “unfortunate bloodshed.”
Outside his residence, thousands of supporters gathered, and lawmakers from his conservative People Power Party, along with his legal team, attempted to block the arrest. Police escorted Yoon to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, where he will be questioned.
This marks the second attempt by authorities to arrest the former president. Earlier this month, a similar operation failed after a lengthy standoff with Yoon’s security team. Since then, Yoon had remained in his residence, avoiding arrest and skipping the opening of his impeachment trial on January 14.
Yoon’s impeachment follows his surprise late-night declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which was quickly overturned by South Korea’s National Assembly. On December 14, the legislature voted to impeach him, with the martial law incident sparking the unprecedented political crisis.
The political turmoil surrounding Yoon marks a significant moment in South Korea’s modern history, as questions about the legality of executive actions continue to challenge the political establishment. The arrest comes amidst growing tensions between Yoon and the ruling political forces.
