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'Complying with investigators to avoid bloodshed': Impeached South Korean President Yoon arrested

| TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 15, 2025, 21:09 IST

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained by authorities ... Read More

South Korean authorities on Wednesday arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol, a month after his brief declaration of martial law.

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After authorities entered his residence to arrest him, South Korea's impeached President Yoon agreed to appear at the office of investigators probing him for insurrection, his lawyer confirmed.

In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon said that he did not accept the investigation's legality but complied to prevent "bloodshed." He also claimed that the "rule of law has completely collapsed" following his detention.

Following his arrest, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours under the current warrant. Investigators would need to apply for a new warrant to extend his custody. Yoon's presidential powers were suspended after the opposition-dominated assembly impeached him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

Also read: Yoon agrees to appear for probe after officials enter presidential compound

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His fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which began deliberating his removal or reinstatement. The court held a brief hearing on Tuesday, but Yoon’s absence delayed proceedings. A new hearing is scheduled for Thursday, and the trial will continue regardless of his attendance. Yoon was impeached in December 2024 by a 204-85 vote.

This was the the second attempt to detain Yoon. Over 1,000 police and anti-corruption officers were involved in a multiday operation to detain Yoon, who had been staying in his Seoul residence for weeks.

Also read: S Korea presidential security chief says must be 'no bloodshed' over Yoon arrest

Yoon had justified his martial law as necessary to counter an "anti-state" opposition. Despite a detention warrant, the presidential security service had blocked earlier efforts, and tensions escalated with Yoon's supporters and critics protesting nearby. Yoon's lawyers had been negotiating his voluntary questioning, but his arrest now shifts focus to the Constitutional Court's deliberations on his impeachment.

On January 3, investigators from South Korea’s anti-corruption agency had failed to detain impeached Yoon at his residence after a six-hour standoff. Presidential security services blocked their entry, citing safety concerns.

Yoon has been at his residence since December 12, following his martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment. A court issued a detention warrant on Tuesday for charges of rebellion.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and accusing the opposition of being “anti-state forces.” The declaration, the first in over four decades, occurred amidst a budget dispute between Yoon's People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party.

The National Assembly was closed Tuesday night, with military helicopters observed on the roof. Army chief General Park An-su, now martial law commander, banned all political activity. Protests erupted outside the parliament building, with police and special forces present.

“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness, I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon stated in a televised address. He did not elaborate on the North Korean threats.

Yoon criticized the opposition, which controls the parliament, for obstructing governance and hindering the judicial and administrative systems. He blamed them for cutting essential parts of the proposed budget, including funds for combating crime and public safety. “With no regard for the livelihoods of the people, the opposition party has paralysed governance solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice,” Yoon added.

The martial law decree bans activities that challenge the current political system, including the spread of what the government deems “fake news” and “propaganda.” Military units are on high alert, according to Yonhap news agency. China has urged its citizens in South Korea to remain cautious. The US National Security Council is monitoring the situation. Yoon’s approval rating recently dropped to 19 percent, according to a Gallup poll.

Elected president in 2022, Yoon has been in a near-constant political standoff with the opposition, which controls the National Assembly.

Thousands of people took to the streets, trying to enter the country's Parliament to oppose the imposition of martial law. Clashes were scene between security forces and protesters outside the National Assembly in Seoul.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party -- which enjoys a majority in the Parliament -- said, "Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country."

Furniture and boxes are piled up to barricade the entrance doors of the National Assembly, after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, South Korea, December 4, 2024.

Who is Yoon Suk Yeol?

Born in Seoul in 1960, Yoon Suk Yeol studied law at Seoul National University before beginning his career as a prosecutor in 1994. He gained prominence for leading high-profile corruption investigations, including those involving former President Park Geun-hye.

Yoon entered politics in 2021, joining the conservative People Power Party and winning the presidency in 2022.

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'Complying with investigators to avoid bloodshed': Impeached South Korean President Yoon arrested

Who is Yoon Suk Yeol?

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