South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol has been formally arrested following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The Seoul Western District Court approved the arrest warrant on Sunday, citing concerns that Yoon could destroy evidence related to his actions.
The arrest of Yoon, who became the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges, marks a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing political crisis.
The court’s approval came after a lengthy deliberation, and investigators are now proceeding with the next phase of their probe into alleged insurrection.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, which took place on December 3, 2024, triggered the most severe political upheaval South Korea has seen since its democratization in the late 1980s.
It led to immediate backlash, culminating in his impeachment by the National Assembly. The decision was swiftly overturned, but the political ramifications continue to ripple through the nation.
Investigators, working in tandem with police and military officials, are focusing on potential rebellion charges against Yoon. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is now leading the probe, which has already seen multiple failed attempts to arrest the former president.
Despite this, Yoon’s legal team continues to argue for his release, insisting that his detention is unlawful. However, prosecutors and investigators are now pushing to extend his detention for an additional 20 days while they build their case.
This could mark the beginning of a lengthy period in custody for the impeached president.
Yoon’s refusal to cooperate with questioning, which occurred last Wednesday, further complicated the investigation. His defiance has led to heightened tensions between his legal representatives and the authorities.
The outcome of this investigation will likely have profound implications for South Korea's political future as the country grapples with the fallout of one of its most contentious presidential terms.
