In a dramatic and unprecedented move, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained on Wednesday in a large-scale law enforcement operation at the presidential compound. Yoon, the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be apprehended, staunchly contested the authority of the anti-corruption agency but stated he complied to prevent potential violence.
In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon expressed his dismay, declaring that the “rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.” He had been entrenched in his official residence for weeks, refusing to yield to the efforts to oust him. Yoon defended his declaration of martial law on December 3 as a necessary governance measure against an “anti-state” opposition blocking his legislative agenda.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials confirmed Yoon’s detention, which occurred hours after investigators and police breached the presidential compound. The operation began with a tense standoff but concluded without significant resistance. Yoon was transported to the agency’s office in Gwacheon before being sent to a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul.
Yoon faces charges of attempted rebellion linked to his martial law declaration. The anti-corruption agency has 48 hours to secure a court order for his formal arrest, failing which he will be released. If formally arrested, Yoon could be detained for up to 20 days before potential indictment.
South Korea’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, assured diplomats from major nations of the government’s stability post-detainment. The opposition Democratic Party hailed Yoon’s detention as a crucial step towards restoring constitutional order. Meanwhile, Yoon’s People Power Party decried the operation as unlawful.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, which briefly deployed troops around the National Assembly, led to his impeachment on December 14. The Constitutional Court is now set to decide Yoon’s fate, with proceedings continuing regardless of his attendance.
The White House reaffirmed its support for South Korea and the rule of law, emphasizing its commitment to working with the interim government led by Choi.