South Korean President Arrested Over Martial Law Declaration

Police officers and investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials pass through the entrance to the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as authorities are seeking to execute an arrest warrant, in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 15, 2025. Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

South Korean investigators arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence on Wednesday over his short-lived martial law declaration last month after a previous failed arrest attempt.

Local media reported that a convoy of vehicles was seen departing the presidential residence, which is believed to be transporting Yoon to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) headquarters for questioning.

The arrest was made after the CIO secured a second arrest warrant for Yoon last week. The CIO now has up to 48 hours to hold Yoon, who is facing charges of leading an insurrection.

In a pre-recorded video message on Wednesday, Yoon spoke about why he had opted to appear before the CIO.

“To prevent an unfortunate and violent incident, I decided to appear before the CIO even though I believe the investigation is illegal,” he was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

Yoon, who was previously South Korea’s chief prosecutor, has been suspended from official duties since the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14.

His lawyers had previously filed complaints against the CIO, alleging that the execution of an arrest warrant against him was illegal.

Prior to the arrest, investigators had summoned the president three times for questioning, but Yoon failed to comply with all summonses, prompting them to obtain an arrest warrant.

The initial arrest warrant expired on Jan. 6 after attempts to arrest him were thwarted by the Presidential Security Service (PSS). Investigators faced resistance from Yoon’s supporters rallying outside the residence to block his detention.

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 15, 2025. South Korean Presidential Office/Yonhap via AP

Police said on Jan. 3 that investigators managed to move past a military unit barricading the residence, only to face further resistance from the PSS, resulting in a five-hour standoff.

Yoon’s surprise declaration of martial law late on Dec. 3, 2024, led to a standoff with lawmakers, who rejected the president’s attempt to impose a ban on political activity and censor independent media and publications.

Yoon has defended his declaration of martial law, saying that it was meant to protect the country’s democracy and serve as a warning to opposition parties, which he accused of sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing state affairs by impeaching top officials.

Some 280 troops were reportedly deployed following the decree to secure the National Assembly Building in Seoul. Yoon rescinded the decree six hours after the National Assembly unanimously passed a motion to lift it.

Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity, and if found guilty, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.