South Korea: President Yoon Suk-yeol arrested, refuses to testify
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South Korean President Yoon was arrested for insurrection, marking a historic first for South Korea. After clashes with police and accusations of abuse of power, Yoon relented “to avoid bloodshed.” He now faces the death penalty or life in prison as the country awaits the Constitutional Court's decision.
Reasons and reactions to the martial law
After assuming the presidency in May 2022, Yoon’s time in office has so far been marked by continuous clashes at the highest institutional levels within the National Assembly, particularly between his party, the People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition, the progressive Democratic Party (DP), which holds the majority. On January 3rd following a stalemate during discussions on the 2025 budget law, Yoon proclaimed martial law ordering a halt to all political demonstrations.
National assembly nullifies martial law and impeaches Yoon
However, political demonstrations sparked outside the National Assembly building. Over half of the South Korean Parliament voted unanimously for a motion to nullify martial law, order the military to retreat, and impeach the Yoon. The President, who was under investigation for power abuse and incitement to insurrection, ignored three summonses to appear for questioning, forcing the police to act.
Dramatic standoff at the presidential compound followed by arrest
After a six-hour standoff between the police and his security, Yoon evaded the first arrest attempt by remaining in his presidential compound in Seoul. Members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), who stayed loyal to him, fortified the residence with barricades and wired barbs. Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters formed a human chain around the compound to prevent his arrest.
Yoon was eventually arrested yesterday during a second police operation at the compound. He claimed he surrendered to avoid “bloodshed”. Escorted to the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) in a convoy, he denounced the situation in a video message stating that "rule of law has completely collapsed in this country." Questioned for hours on Wednesday, January 15, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent. As of today, Thursday, January 16, the impeached President did not attend a second day of questioning by investigators.
An unprecedented event
Yoon Suk-yeol is the first sitting President in South Korea’s history to be detained. If found guilty of insurrection, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Meanwhile the Constitutional Court is still deciding whether to uphold the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon. If the Court endorses the decision, Yoon would eventually lose the presidency, and an election would be held within 60 days.
Reasons and reactions to the martial law
After assuming the presidency in May 2022, Yoon’s time in office has so far been marked by continuous clashes at the highest institutional levels within the National Assembly, particularly between his party, the People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition, the progressive Democratic Party (DP), which holds the majority. On January 3rd following a stalemate during discussions on the 2025 budget law, Yoon proclaimed martial law ordering a halt to all political demonstrations.
National assembly nullifies martial law and impeaches Yoon
However, political demonstrations sparked outside the National Assembly building. Over half of the South Korean Parliament voted unanimously for a motion to nullify martial law, order the military to retreat, and impeach the Yoon. The President, who was under investigation for power abuse and incitement to insurrection, ignored three summonses to appear for questioning, forcing the police to act.
Dramatic standoff at the presidential compound followed by arrest
After a six-hour standoff between the police and his security, Yoon evaded the first arrest attempt by remaining in his presidential compound in Seoul. Members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), who stayed loyal to him, fortified the residence with barricades and wired barbs. Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters formed a human chain around the compound to prevent his arrest.
Yoon was eventually arrested yesterday during a second police operation at the compound. He claimed he surrendered to avoid “bloodshed”. Escorted to the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) in a convoy, he denounced the situation in a video message stating that "rule of law has completely collapsed in this country." Questioned for hours on Wednesday, January 15, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent. As of today, Thursday, January 16, the impeached President did not attend a second day of questioning by investigators.
An unprecedented event
Yoon Suk-yeol is the first sitting President in South Korea’s history to be detained. If found guilty of insurrection, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Meanwhile the Constitutional Court is still deciding whether to uphold the National Assembly's impeachment of Yoon. If the Court endorses the decision, Yoon would eventually lose the presidency, and an election would be held within 60 days.