Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday for his failed attempt to impose martial law last month.
This makes him the first president in South Korean history to be detained.
Yoon, who faces charges of insurrection, could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. The arrest ends weeks of tension as he stayed in his residence, guarded by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service.
In a pre-recorded video message released after his arrest, Yoon said, “I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office. While I don’t accept the legality of this investigation, I am complying to avoid unfortunate bloodshed.”
Authorities had surrounded Yoon’s compound before dawn on Wednesday. Hundreds of police officers and investigators scaled walls and used back routes to reach the main building. After a five-hour standoff, Yoon was arrested and taken to the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.
Supporters of Yoon, camped outside the residence, clashed briefly with authorities. Chanting “illegal warrant!” they waved South Korean and American flags and blocked the main gate.
The crisis began on December 3 when Yoon declared martial law, claiming he needed to protect the nation from North Korea and internal threats. He deployed troops to parliament, but lawmakers resisted and voted against his martial law declaration. Yoon was forced to revoke it just six hours later.
Earlier attempts to arrest Yoon had failed. On January 3, a tense standoff prevented investigators from detaining him. However, the situation escalated when authorities launched a larger operation this week.
While Yoon’s party, the conservative People Power Party (PPP), condemned the arrest, calling it “illegal and unjust,” opposition leaders praised the move.
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, “This is the first step toward restoring constitutional and legal order after weeks of chaos.”
Parliament Speaker Woo Won-shik added, “Now that the chaotic situation has ended, we should focus on stabilizing state affairs and improving the lives of our citizens.”
Yoon is also facing an impeachment trial in the Constitutional Court. If the court upholds the impeachment, he will lose the presidency, and fresh elections must be held within 60 days.
The next court hearing is set for Thursday, but the trial could last for months. Meanwhile, Yoon can be detained for up to 48 hours unless investigators obtain a new arrest warrant.
