The arrest follows a prolonged standoff and a second attempt by law enforcement after the first on January 3 failed, when agents from the Presidential Security Service blocked investigators. On this occasion, approximately 1,000 officers were deployed to execute the court-issued warrant, which was originally granted on December 31 and later extended.
Charges and Context
Yoon faces insurrection charges stemming from his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, citing threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state forces.” This move, South Korea’s first martial law in over 40 years, was swiftly overturned by the country’s parliament, which later impeached Yoon on December 14.
These charges carry a potential death penalty and are not covered by presidential immunity. The impeachment trial, initiated by South Korea’s Constitutional Court on January 14, has been adjourned to January 16 due to Yoon’s absence.
The Arrest Operation
Hundreds of officers entered Yoon’s residence in Hannam-dong early Wednesday after hours of negotiation with his legal team. Unlike the initial attempt, the Presidential Security Service offered minimal resistance this time.
Officers reportedly climbed over barricades, including buses fortified with barbed wire, to access the compound. Negotiations between investigators and Yoon’s lawyers included offers for Yoon to voluntarily appear for questioning, though authorities did not confirm their acceptance.
Yoon, who had vowed to “fight to the end,” defended his declaration as a legitimate act against opposition forces but has evaded several summons for questioning.
Political and Public Reactions
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, acting as South Korea’s interim leader, urged law enforcement and security forces to avoid physical clashes.
The Democratic Party, instrumental in Yoon’s impeachment, demanded the Presidential Security Service cooperate fully, while Yoon’s People Power Party decried the arrest as a political witch hunt. Meanwhile, protests near Yoon’s residence reflected the nation’s divide, with supporters and critics clashing amidst heavy police presence.
Next Steps
If detained, Yoon will remain in custody for up to 48 hours unless a formal arrest warrant is obtained. Should the court reject the request, he will be released. Yoon’s legal team continues to dispute the validity of the detention warrant, citing laws protecting locations linked to military secrets.
As the situation unfolds, South Korea grapples with its most dramatic political crisis in decades, with implications for its leadership, democracy, and public trust in governance.
