SEOUL, South Korea — On Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody following a large-scale law enforcement operation at the presidential residence, effectively ending a prolonged standoff between his security team and the nation’s anti-corruption agency. Authorities are seeking his presence for questioning regarding his controversial decision to impose martial law on December 3.
Shortly after Yoon’s announcement of martial law, the National Assembly swiftly invalidated the abrupt declaration. Yoon had justified his decision by alleging that the liberal opposition party, which dominated the Assembly, was hampering his political initiatives, including crucial budget approvals. He characterized the opposition members as sympathizers of North Korea, labeling them as “anti-state forces” responsible for the turmoil afflicting the nation.
The situation has evolved over a timeline of significant events:
On January 15, investigators from the anti-corruption body, along with police, stormed the presidential compound and detained Yoon more than six weeks after his failed attempt to centralize power. This incident marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president has been similarly captured; Yoon had remained isolated in his residence, vowing to resist efforts aimed at his removal.
One day prior, the Constitutional Court held a brief hearing on his case, which lasted under five minutes as Yoon chose not to attend. Another session is scheduled for January 16. On January 7, the head of Yoon’s security service, Park Jong-joon, resigned amidst growing tensions.
Prior incidents included confrontations on January 3, when multiple investigators attempted to enter the presidential compound but were blocked by security personnel, military forces, and barricades. The situation escalated on December 31, when the Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant for Yoon’s detention for inquiries related to the martial law declaration.
Previous political turmoil also intensified on December 27, when the National Assembly voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo due to his failure to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court. On December 14, Yoon faced impeachment via a motion that passed with a vote of 204-85, suspending his presidential powers and transferring authority to Prime Minister Han, while Yoon claimed his martial law order was a necessary governance measure, dismissing accusations of rebellion and asserting his commitment to fight against impeachment efforts.
As political unrest continued, motions passed to suspend the national police chief and the Justice Minister for their roles in enforcing martial law. The situation grew even more complex as the former defense minister Kim Yong Hyun was arrested for his alleged connection to Yoon’s actions.
On December 10, the commander of the Army Special Warfare Command testified about receiving direct orders from Kim to prevent Assembly members from gathering to vote against the martial law. He claimed that Yoon had even requested military intervention to forcibly remove lawmakers from the Assembly, though he did not act on those orders.
Prosecutors expanded their investigation into Yoon’s actions by detaining Kim on December 8 and subsequently issuing a travel ban against Yoon on December 9. This followed an apology from Yoon on December 7 for declaring martial law and his insistence on accepting both legal and political repercussions arising from his declaration.
In a stunning pivot on December 6, the reformist leader of Yoon’s party expressed support for suspending Yoon’s constitutional responsibilities, citing risks his presidency posed to the nation. Before that, on December 5, Yoon had dismissed his defense minister, who was notably linked to the martial law declaration.
The tumultuous lead-up to the martial law announcement featured dramatic scenes. On December 3, President Yoon announced his decision to impose martial law during a nationally televised address, branding the opposition-controlled Assembly a “den of criminals.” Widespread military mobilization followed, aiming to prevent Assembly members from convening to repeal the martial law measure. Lawmakers, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, urged public support to breach the blockade and access the Assembly, marking a contentious chapter in South Korea’s political landscape.