South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was reportedly taken into custody by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, marking a historic moment as the first time a sitting leader in South Korea has been arrested. The arrest follows a Seoul district court's decision to grant an arrest warrant on December 31. The warrant came after Yoon failed to appear for questioning, prompting the CIO to request legal authority to detain him.
Yoon's arrest unfolded with significant police presence. Approximately 1,000 officers were involved in the second attempt to execute the warrant, nearly ten times more than the first attempt on January 3. This increased force highlights the gravity of the situation and the challenges faced in apprehending the president.
The political turmoil began earlier when Yoon declared martial law on December 3, citing threats from "North Korean communist forces" and "antistate forces." This declaration was the first of its kind in South Korea in over four decades. However, lawmakers opposed the move and successfully bypassed police barricades to vote against it in parliament.
Subsequently, impeachment motions were filed against Yoon, leading to his suspension from office on December 14. The failed declaration of martial law was a critical factor in these impeachment proceedings. Despite facing charges of insurrection, which are not covered by presidential immunity and could result in the death penalty, Yoon remained defiant.
The initial arrest attempt on January 3 did not succeed, but the arrest warrant was extended following its expiration on January 6. Authorities continued their efforts, culminating in the recent detention of the president.