Seoul (Web Desk/Agencies): South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained on Wednesday amid allegations of insurrection, marking a historic moment as the first sitting president to face arrest.
The arrest followed a volatile period, starting with Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration on December 3, which sparked intense political unrest and led to his impeachment by lawmakers on December 14.
Yoon had remained in seclusion at his residence, protected by a private security force, which had previously prevented authorities from taking him into custody.
However, on Wednesday, after thousands of officers gathered outside his home, Yoon chose to surrender for questioning in order to prevent further violence, despite his claims that the investigation itself was unlawful.
He expressed his decision to comply, explaining that he wanted to avoid bloodshed after police used ladders and cutters to breach the perimeter of his property.
While the investigation is ongoing, Yoon’s legal team contends that his detention is politically motivated and intended to publicly disgrace him.
Some of his loyalists have reacted with defiance, engaging in protests at his residence, waving banners accusing the government of election fraud—a theme Yoon himself had invoked to justify his actions earlier in the crisis.
The turmoil surrounding Yoon’s presidency has deeply divided the nation.
Although many South Koreans support his impeachment, a sizable portion of his base has rallied behind him, reflecting a surprising resurgence for his political party.
Despite the current disfavour towards his actions, the political landscape remains highly fluid, with the People Power Party (PPP) gaining ground in recent polls, narrowing the gap between them and the opposition.
