South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested over failed martial law bid

Yoon faces charges of insurrection and corruption, with allegations tied to his controversial martial law declaration last month.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday following weeks of political turmoil stemming from his failed attempt to impose martial law. Authorities stormed his official residence in a pre-dawn raid, bringing an end to a tense standoff that had gripped the nation.

The arrest, carried out by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and hundreds of police officers, marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president has been detained. Yoon faces charges of insurrection and corruption, with allegations tied to his controversial martial law declaration last month.

The raid unfolded early Wednesday as investigators, supported by police, surrounded and entered Yoon’s fortified residence. Officers scaled walls and navigated back trails to access the compound, while clashes erupted at the gates between security forces, Yoon’s supporters, and lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party.

Supporters chanted slogans like “illegal warrant” and waved South Korean and American flags, attempting to block investigators. Inside the compound, Yoon’s Presidential Security Service (PSS) had erected barricades and barbed wire in an effort to thwart the arrest.

Despite these measures, Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, announced early Wednesday that the president had agreed to cooperate with investigators, citing a desire to avoid a “serious incident.” However, authorities confirmed Yoon’s arrest later in the morning, executing the warrant at 10:33 a.m. local time.

Yoon faces multiple investigations, including accusations of leading an insurrection — a charge that carries the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty. His short-lived martial law decree, which was widely condemned as unconstitutional, has triggered both his impeachment trial and a series of corruption probes.

The impeachment trial began on Tuesday but was adjourned after Yoon declined to attend, citing safety concerns. Hearings are set to resume on Thursday in his absence.

Yoon’s arrest has further deepened the nation’s political divide. Protesters gathered outside the residence braving freezing temperatures, with anti-Yoon demonstrators chanting for his resignation, while his supporters maintained that his impeachment was invalid.

Local media reported that investigators exercised caution during the raid, avoiding firearms but wearing bulletproof vests due to concerns about armed resistance from Yoon’s security team.

Following his arrest, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours under the current warrant. Investigators would need court approval for further detention. His legal team has called the arrest warrant “illegal” and vowed to contest the charges.

(With inputs from agencies)