South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Arrested: What We Know

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Why It Matters

Yoon is under investigation related to his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which ultimately pivoted the country into a political crisis. After the brief declaration, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14.

He previously vowed to “fight to the end” as authorities prepared to arrest him.

What To Know

According to Reuters, Yoon’s motorcade was seen approaching the anti-corruption agency offices on Wednesday. Yoon’s arrest is related to insurrection allegations over his declaration of martial law.

A previous attempt to arrest Yoon was carried out last week but forces guarding his home reportedly blocked authorities from detaining him, the Associated Press (AP) notes. The country’s head of presidential security service, Park Jong-joon, then resigned after facing backlash when his crews were accused of taking part in the obstruction.

South Korean lawmakers also announced a new bill this month in an effort to independently investigate Yoon’s martial law declaration, according to the AP.

Newsweek reached out to the South Korean Embassy in the U.S. for comment via email on Tuesday night.

What People Are Saying

Yoon said in a statement obtained by Reuters: “When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIO’s [Corrupt Investigation Office’s] investigation – despite it being an illegal investigation – to prevent unsavoury bloodshed.”

CNN Anchor Jim Sciutto posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Breaking: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested for questioning and ushered out of his residential compound by investigators in a motorcade, according to the country’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).”

Former White House lawyer Richard Painter, who served under George W. Bush, said on X: “This is how democracies survive. No man is above the law. South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested, local media reports.”

New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat, said on X: “This is a precarious moment for South Korea and I urge calm and adherence to the judicial process in accordance with the constitution. Escalation must be avoided.”