Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested

• Image Credit: Google

• Jan 15, 2025 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk: South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained by the anti-corruption agency on Wednesday morning. The president was arrested after his bid to impose martial law in the country. He was arrested after weeks of resistance and claims of invalid warrant by him and his lawyers.

Hundreds of investigators and police officers raided his residence to arrest him in the second effort following a failed attempt made on January 3.

The arrest was followed by the lawyer of Yoon's announcement on his President's decision to leave the residence and appear before the corruption investigation officers for questions.

His arrest made history as he became the first sitting president of South Korea, one of Asia's most vibrant democracies to face an arrest.  

The investigation officers said in a statement, "The Joint Investigation Headquarters executed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol today (January 15) at 10:33 am (0130 GMT)."

According to a report by Reuters, the investigation officers entered the President's residence using ladders following a clash between President Yoon's guards and police officers. His guards blocked the main gate when the officers tried to enter the Presidential house.  

The officers also arrested the acting chief of the Presidential Security Service for blocking their first attempt to arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.

On Wednesday morning, Advisor to President Yoon, Seok Dong-hyeon said that the President is ready to be questioned if the officers decide not to arrest him.

Yoon, in his defence, said that he allowed his arrest to avoid any bloodshed despite his belief that the arrest was illegal.

The President is on the charges of insurrection and abuse of power. During the standoff, a person was injured and immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.