SEOUL, South Korea — In a significant law enforcement action on Wednesday, the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained at the presidential residence. Yoon asserted that the anti-corruption agency lacked the jurisdiction to probe his actions but chose to cooperate to prevent any potential unrest.
Before being taken to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon recorded a video statement expressing his belief that the legal system in South Korea has deteriorated completely. Yoon made history as the first sitting president to be apprehended, having remained isolated at his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, while vowing to resist impeachment efforts. He defended his imposition of martial law on December 3, asserting it was a valid governance decision aimed at an “anti-state” opposition that was using its legislative majority against him.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials confirmed that Yoon was taken into custody approximately five hours after investigators began their operation at the presidential compound, which was a second attempt to detain him regarding his controversial martial law declaration.
As the operation unfolded, a convoy of black SUVs, some with sirens, exited the compound under police escort. Yoon was later seen arriving at the agency’s office in Gwacheon. After interrogation, he was poised to be transferred to a detention facility in Uiwang, close to Seoul.
The next steps in this unfolding situation could see Yoon held in detention for a prolonged period. The anti-corruption agency, engaged in a joint investigation with police and military personnel regarding whether Yoon’s declaration constituted attempted rebellion, has a 48-hour window to seek a court order for Yoon’s formal arrest on such charges. If they fail to do so, he will be released; however, if formally arrested, authorities can initially hold him for 20 days before handing the matter over to public prosecutors for indictment.
During his initial hours of questioning, Yoon opted to exercise his right to remain silent, despite the warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court citing substantial grounds for suspecting him of acting as the “ringleader of a rebellion.” Following his impeachment by parliament on December 14, Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended, with the case now making its way through the Constitutional Court, which must decide whether to formally remove him from office or reinstatement him.
The law enforcement action began in the early morning hours, resulting in a standoff at the compound’s entrance between investigators and presidential security forces. However, this was typically resolved without significant resistance. Investigators struggled initially with barriers including barbed wire erected by security personnel prior to eventually gaining access to the compound.
In an effort to maintain order, South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok urged law enforcement officials and presidential security to avoid any confrontations. Following Yoon’s arrest, Choi reassured G7 diplomats, including representatives from the U.S., Japan, Britain, and Germany, that governmental stability was being maintained.
Park Chan-dae, the leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which played a key role in the impeachment process, considered Yoon’s detention a pivotal moment for restoring constitutional order and democracy. Conversely, Yoon’s supporters rallied nearby, denouncing the detainment as unlawful.
In the days leading up to Yoon’s arrest, preparations intensified, with the National Police Agency coordinating with commanders to discuss detainment strategies, raising speculation that over a thousand officers may be involved. Warnings had been issued that presidential bodyguards obstructing arrest efforts might face arrest themselves.
Yoon’s legal team has rejected the validity of the detainment warrant, citing laws that shield certain locations associated with military secrets from searches without the person in charge’s consent, which, they argue, is Yoon. Furthermore, they contended that the anti-corruption agency lacks authority to investigate allegations related to rebellion.
In a video released before his detention, Yoon stated his disbelief at the number of illegal actions being taken against him and insisted that his compliance with what he termed invalid procedures was only to avoid further conflict. Yoon’s supporters and his opponents held simultaneous protests outside his residence, leading to a heavy police presence to ensure order.
The backdrop to this dramatic series of events includes Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law and troop deployment around the National Assembly on December 3, which was swiftly revoked. His impeachment followed on December 14. A formal hearing on the impeachment took place Tuesday, albeit briefly, because Yoon declined to attend. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, where proceedings will continue regardless of Yoon’s presence.
In response to these developments, the White House reiterated its support for the South Korean people and their commitment to upholding the rule of law, expressing willingness to collaborate with the acting government led by Choi Sang-mok.
