South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025, after a dramatic raid on his residence, marking the first time in the nation’s history that a sitting president has been detained. Yoon's arrest follows his failed attempt to impose martial law last month, which led to his impeachment and charges of insurrection.
Before dawn on Wednesday, more than 3,000 police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) gathered outside Yoon's residence in Seoul, pushing through his supporters and members of the ruling People Power Party who protested the arrest. The tense situation escalated as authorities made their second attempt to detain the president after a previous standoff on January 3 had failed.
This time, investigators managed to breach the security perimeter and arrest Yoon at 10:33 a.m. local time. Yoon had initially agreed to speak with investigators, but shortly after, the authorities announced his arrest.
The scene outside Yoon's residence was chaotic, with scuffles breaking out between his supporters and law enforcement, while lawmakers from his party attempted to block the arrest. Yoon’s guards had fortified the compound with barbed wire and barricades, leading authorities to wear bulletproof vests but refrain from carrying firearms due to the risk of encountering armed resistance.
Following his arrest, Yoon can be detained for up to 48 hours under the current warrant, after which investigators would need to seek an extension to keep him in custody. Meanwhile, his impeachment trial continues, with hearings set to resume on Thursday despite his absence from the proceedings.
Yoon's legal team has repeatedly contested the arrest warrant, calling it illegal. The unfolding developments are expected to have far-reaching implications for South Korea's political landscape.
