Impeached South Korean President Yoon Arrested After Political Crisis
South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025, after weeks of intense political drama. Yoon, who had previously refused to surrender, agreed to cooperate with what he called an “illegal investigation” to avoid further violence. His arrest follows a series of dramatic events, starting with his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024.
Background of the Political Crisis
Yoon has faced criticism since taking office in May 2022, particularly for his controversial domestic policies. These include relocating his presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense building instead of the Blue House, and handling the 2024 medical crisis poorly. Yoon also faced accusations of interfering in investigations into alleged corruption involving his wife, Kim Keon-hee. His foreign policy, especially his pro-Japanese stance on historical issues, has further angered many South Koreans.
Martial Law and Growing Protests
The situation escalated on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law. This move sparked widespread protests, with South Koreans rejecting his decision. On December 4, opposition lawmakers submitted a motion to impeach Yoon, citing his martial law declaration. The motion was initially blocked by Yoon’s party members, but protests continued to grow, particularly from those who viewed Yoon’s actions as a return to authoritarianism. South Korea only became a fully democratic nation in 1988, and many feared a repeat of the brutal military rule of the past.
Impeachment Attempts and Political Fallout
After the first impeachment motion failed, a second motion was passed on December 14, 2024, with 204 lawmakers voting in favor. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo temporarily took over Yoon’s powers. However, on December 27, 2024, Prime Minister Han was also impeached for his role in supporting Yoon’s actions, including obstructing investigations into Yoon’s corruption charges.
Since December 2024, Yoon had refused to comply with summons from the corruption investigation agency.
The North Korea Angle
In early January 2025, South Korea’s corruption investigation office began looking into Yoon for allegedly trying to create a conflict with North Korea to justify martial law. This investigation stemmed from reports that South Korea’s former defense minister ordered a drone incursion over North Korea in October 2024, allegedly as part of Yoon’s plans to escalate tensions.
The Arrest Drama
Yoon faced his first arrest warrant on December 31, 2024, on charges of abuse of power and orchestrating the martial law crisis. For two weeks in January 2025, Yoon remained holed up in his official residence in Seoul, where his supporters clashed with the police. Despite his Presidential Security Service blocking the arrest, authorities finally arrested him on January 15, with over 3,000 police officers involved.
What Happens Next?
According to reports, South Korea’s authorities now have 48 hours to question Yoon, after which they must either release him or seek a warrant to detain him for up to 20 days. Yoon’s lawyers have argued that the arrest warrant is illegal, as it was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and by an investigation team without legal authority. Supporters of Yoon and some conservative media in South Korea have drawn parallels between his legal troubles and those of incoming US President Donald Trump.