Yoon Suk-Yeol was arrested on Wednesday at the presidential residence of Seoul, South Korea. He is now the first South Korean sitting leader detained by investigators for criminal questions.
Yoon had been defiant for weeks, refusing to answer questions about his controversial declaration of martial law last month.
After a violent confrontation in the compound, the authorities executed the warrant of arrest.
After hundreds of officers broke into the building, CIO confirmed Yoon’s arrest.
Yoon, in a video recorded before his speech, accused the government and its officials of political persecution. He claimed that, “the rule-of-law has collapsed completely” within this country.
The anti-corruption organization rejected his lawyers’ proposal to conduct a voluntary interview, saying that the case was urgent.
Yoon’s detention operation is tense
In the morning hours of detention, Yoon’s Presidential Security Service had constructed barricades, and they were removed.
Police used ladders to clear rows of buses at the entrance compound, and a gate marked with gold leading into Yoon’s home was also breached.
The standoff was tense for hours. Deputy prime minister Choi Sangmok called for calm, and asked law enforcement officials to refrain from clashing with the Presidential Security Detail.
Investigators secured the perimeter and escorted Yoon to a convoy consisting of black SUVs heading towards the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon.
Declaring martial law sparks crisis
This crisis is a result of Yoon declaring martial law in December, during an impasse with the National Assembly dominated by opposition.
Yoon used military force to prevent lawmakers from entering Assembly. He accused them of undermining his government.
After the lawmakers convened and defeated the martial law measure, it was only a matter of hours before they lifted this order.
The National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14. They suspended his powers as president and accused him of rebellious behavior.
Since then, the Constitutional Court is debating whether or not to reinstate Yoon after his impeachment.
South Korea split over Yoon’s action
Yoon’s arrest has caused a rift in the country. Near his home, supporters gathered to denounce the investigation and call it illegal.
Critics called for his arrest, saying that declaring martial law was an abuse.
Anti-corruption agency accused Yoon Yoon to try to subvert democratic process. They also pledged that they will hold accountable all those who obstructed the investigation.
The Seoul Western District Court detention warrant is valid until 21 January.
The Constitutional Court has the final word
The Constitutional Court is continuing its work in front of the entire nation.
Yoon did not attend the first hearing, which was held on Tuesday. However, the case will continue, and the next scheduled session is Thursday.
The future of South Korea’s politics is in doubt as the court deliberates a ruling that will either permanently remove Yoon from power or restore him to it.
As new information becomes available, the post South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol is detained in dramatic operations may change.
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