Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Amid Martial Law Investigation

South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on Wednesday following a standoff outside his official residence in Seoul, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first sitting president in the nation’s history to be detained. The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into his controversial declaration of martial law last month, which authorities allege could constitute insurrection, a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Despite the tense situation, Yoon remained defiant, claiming he had agreed to cooperate with anti-corruption investigators to prevent further violence. His lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, confirmed that Yoon would personally appear at the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and deliver a speech, but shortly afterward, it was announced that he had been taken into custody.

The arrest marks the latest chapter in a political crisis that has deeply divided South Korea, with concerns growing among the nation’s allies. Yoon has been under house arrest since mid-December after his impeachment, with fears of further clashes between his supporters and law enforcement following his detention. The declaration of martial law, which came amid escalating political tensions, has sparked heated debate over the abuse of presidential power, leading to the current investigation and his eventual arrest.