South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested for questioning by the country's anti-corruption agency. This development comes after Yoon's shock martial law decree last month, which sparked a political saga that has gripped the nation.
Yoon was taken into custody after leaving his residential compound with investigators in a motorcade on Wednesday morning. This marks the first time a sitting president in South Korea has been arrested.
Yoon is facing multiple investigations related to his declaration, including accusations of leading an insurrection, a crime that carries severe penalties such as life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is collaborating with the police and defense ministry in probing Yoon. Earlier this month, an attempt to detain him was thwarted after a standoff involving soldiers and members of the presidential security detail.
Following his arrest, Yoon released a video message dismissing the investigations as illegal and expressing concerns about the state of the law in the country.
A court-approved warrant allows investigators to hold Yoon for up to 48 hours, during which the CIO may apply for an arrest warrant to extend his detention.
Supporters and opponents of Yoon gathered outside his compound, with tensions running high as demonstrators voiced their opinions through chants and slogans.
Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3 triggered a swift backlash from lawmakers and the public, leading to his impeachment by parliament.
Despite facing an impeachment trial and investigations, Yoon has remained defiant, with his lawyers challenging the legality of the detention warrant.
The Constitutional Court holds the power to decide whether Yoon will be formally removed from office or reinstated, with his impeachment trial set to resume soon.
The political turmoil in South Korea has extended beyond Yoon's case, with parliament impeaching the prime minister and acting president in recent weeks.
The Constitutional Court has pledged to prioritize the case against Yoon and other impeachment proceedings against officials from his administration.
