Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol detained over martial law charges

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained at his residence on January 15 morning, marking the first arrest of a sitting president in the country’s history. 

Yoon, suspended from duty since his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power linked to his controversial declaration of martial law last month, Caliber.Az reports via South Korean media.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) executed the warrant at 10:33 a.m. after a prior failed attempt earlier this month. A convoy escorted Yoon from the presidential residence in central Seoul to the CIO office in Gwacheon, just south of the capital.

The questioning began at 11 a.m., led by CIO Deputy Chief Lee Jae-seung, with Yoon’s legal representatives present. Investigators have up to 48 hours to seek a formal arrest warrant. If granted, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang.

The charges stem from Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, reportedly to prevent lawmakers from voting against his decree. Troops were deployed to the National Assembly during the incident, drawing widespread criticism from the opposition and civil society groups.

In a pre-recorded video released after his arrest, Yoon defended his actions, stating, “Although it is an illegal investigation, I decided to agree to appear at the CIO in order to prevent ugly bloodshed.” He described the martial law declaration as a necessary "act of governance" to counter what he alleged was the opposition Democratic Party’s abuse of legislative power.

Yoon’s arrest followed tense negotiations at his residence, where Presidential Security Service staff and ruling People Power Party lawmakers initially resisted investigators. Unlike the first attempt, which ended in a standoff, no significant clashes were reported this time, though barricades and protests from Yoon’s supporters slowed the process.

Police deployed approximately 3,000 officers to secure the area, and minor scuffles occurred between investigators and demonstrators. Thousands of protesters, both supporting and opposing Yoon, have gathered outside the residence in recent weeks, with tensions escalating as news of his detainment spread.

The Seoul Western District Court had issued warrants to search the presidential residence and detain Yoon after he repeatedly ignored summonses for questioning. The warrants, initially set to expire earlier this month, were extended to allow for Wednesday’s successful operation.

Yoon remains defiant, vowing to fight the charges and accusing investigators of political bias. As the CIO moves forward, the nation braces for the next chapter in this unprecedented political saga.

By Vugar Khalilov