IRIA News

4 minute read

South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 15, 2025, over insurrection allegations. The dramatic turn of events followed weeks of political tension and culminated in a large-scale operation involving more than 1,000 officers to execute the arrest warrant.

Yoon is under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) on charges of insurrection, stemming from his controversial attempt to impose martial law—a move that led to his impeachment by parliament. Despite the arrest, Yoon technically remains the elected president as his impeachment must be validated by the Constitutional Court.

Tense arrest operation

The arrest operation, conducted early Wednesday morning, was marked by dramatic scenes as investigators used ladders and wire cutters to breach the security perimeter at Yoon’s residence. Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel had erected barricades to delay the officers’ entry.

In a three-minute video message, Yoon expressed his decision to surrender, stating, “I decided to appear before the CIO, even though it is an illegal investigation, to prevent any unsavory bloodshed.” He also criticized the authorities for what he described as an “invasion” of his home’s security perimeter, reiterating that the arrest warrant was not legally valid.

After his questioning at the CIO office, Yoon is expected to be detained at the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. However, if a court does not issue a detention warrant within 48 hours of his arrest, Yoon could be released, potentially returning to the presidential residence.

Political reactions and divided nation

The arrest has further polarized South Korea, with strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Yoon’s People Power Party called the arrest “illegal,” with party floor leader Kweon Seong-dong describing the situation as “regretful.”

Conversely, Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party, hailed the arrest as a sign that “justice in South Korea is alive.” He added, “This arrest is the first step toward restoring constitutional order, democracy, and the rule of law.”

Public sentiment mirrored this division. Outside Yoon’s residence, anti-Yoon demonstrators celebrated with cheers and music, while his supporters lamented what they saw as a breakdown of the rule of law.

South Korea’s short-lived martial law

The political turmoil started when South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol released a surprise late-night declaration of martial law on December 3. This was the first time since 1980 that South Korea had invoked martial law, stirring deep anxiety both domestically and internationally.

President Yoon’s decision came without prior notice or buildup, catching the nation and international observers off guard. While South Korea has a history of authoritarian leadership in its early years, it has been widely regarded as a stable democracy. The sudden imposition of martial law, which places the country under strict military control, recalls a darker period in its history.

In his address, Yoon framed the decision as essential to safeguarding the nation. “I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order,” Yoon stated.

However, the president did not provide specific details about the alleged “anti-state forces” or outline immediate steps that would be taken under martial law. Instead, he cited opposition actions in parliament as precipitating factors, including recent moves to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.

The declaration sent shockwaves through South Korea’s economic indicators. The Korean won plunged against the U.S. dollar, prompting the central bank to prepare stabilization measures. A central bank official indicated that contingency plans are being developed to mitigate market volatility.

Political crisis deepens

The current political upheaval extends beyond Yoon’s arrest. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president after Han Duck-soo, the first acting president, was also impeached by the opposition-majority parliament. Choi now faces the daunting task of stabilizing a deeply divided nation.

Yoon’s downfall marks a significant chapter in South Korean politics, yet it is far from the resolution of the nation’s current crisis. The failed attempt to impose martial law and the subsequent political fallout have left the country reeling, with both the presidency and parliament mired in controversy.

The arrest also highlights the stark division within the executive branch. Law enforcement officers, armed with a legal warrant, faced resistance from presidential security personnel bound by their duty to protect the suspended president.