South Korean President Yoon Impeached, Taken into Custody

Hundreds of investigators and police surrounded Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidential compound, waiting hours to apprehend him.

South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Detained by Anti-Corruption Agency

Seoul, January 15, 2025 – South Korea’s anti-corruption agency confirmed that President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was recently impeached, has been detained. The arrest took place on Wednesday, hours after hundreds of investigators and police officers surrounded his presidential compound, waiting to carry out the order.

The dramatic detention follows an intense period of political unrest, with Yoon facing allegations of corruption and abuse of power. His impeachment had been swiftly approved by the National Assembly, sparking protests and heightened security around government buildings.

Eyewitnesses reported a tense standoff as law enforcement personnel awaited clearance to enter the compound. After hours of negotiation, Yoon was finally taken into custody without reported violence. The anti-corruption agency stated that further investigations are underway and assured the public that due process would be followed.

Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment marks a critical moment in South Korea’s political landscape, raising concerns over government integrity and prompting calls for systemic reforms.

A convoy of black SUVs, some fitted with sirens, was seen departing the presidential compound under heavy police escort following Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention.

Law enforcement officers entered President Yoon’s residential compound early Wednesday in their second attempt to detain him, following his controversial imposition of martial law last month.

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials engaged in lengthy negotiations with President Yoon’s attorneys, taking hours before successfully apprehending him.

South Korean President Yoon’s political implosion

Here are key events from martial law to arrest:

Mr. Yoon had been holed up in his Hannam-dong residence in Seoul for weeks, vowing to “fight to the end” against efforts to remove him from office.

He defended his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, as a legitimate move to safeguard governance, accusing the “anti-state” opposition of using its legislative majority to obstruct his agenda.

Mr. Yoon’s lawyers attempted to dissuade investigators from executing the detention warrant, offering that the president would voluntarily appear for questioning. However, the anti-corruption agency told reporters they were not immediately considering that option.

The anti-corruption agency is spearheading a joint investigation with police and the military to determine whether Mr. Yoon’s December 3 martial law declaration constitutes an attempted rebellion. After Mr. Yoon repeatedly ignored summons for questioning, authorities sought to take him into custody. They vowed more decisive action after their initial attempt to detain him on January 3 was thwarted by the presidential security service.

Courtesy: South China Morning Post

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