Breaking News: President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Amid Tensions with Police

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested: Unrest and Showdown at Presidential Palace

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested at his official residence in Seoul following a protracted standoff with authorities. This marks the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained while in office.

The arrest comes after Yoon’s impeachment on December 14, 2024, over his attempt to declare martial law, which led to significant political turmoil in the country.

Since his impeachment, Yoon had confined himself to the presidential residence, with supporters and the Presidential Security Service forming a human barricade to prevent his detention.

Authorities made multiple attempts to execute the arrest warrant. On January 15, 2025, investigators, supported by over 1,100 police officers, scaled barricades and cut through barbed wire to gain access to the residence.

Yoon was detained without active resistance and subsequently taken to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for questioning.

In a recorded address during his arrest, Yoon criticized the legality of the investigation and arrest, stating that he submitted to avoid violence.

He faces charges of insurrection and other offenses related to his declaration of martial law, which are not covered by presidential immunity.

The political instability in South Korea has deepened, with the constitutional court set to decide on Yoon’s impeachment by mid-May. If the impeachment is upheld, a snap election will be required to elect a new president.

For a visual overview of the arrest, you can watch the following news coverage: