South Korean investigators have arrested and questioned President Yoon Suk Yeol for hours in relation to a criminal insurrection probe. This marks the first time a sitting president has been arrested in the country, sending shockwaves through Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Yoon was impeached by lawmakers on December 14 after he declared martial law on December 3, sparking widespread protests and concern about the rule of law. Despite his arrest, Yoon remains defiant, refusing to talk to investigators and citing concerns about “unsavoury bloodshed.”
The investigation has been led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which claims that Yoon was involved in a plot to incite insurrection. Authorities have 48 hours to question Yoon before seeking a warrant to detain him.
Yoon’s lawyers argue that the arrest warrant is illegal, citing issues with jurisdiction and the CIO’s mandate. The arrest has sent thousands of protesters into the streets, many waving flags and holding signs in support of Yoon and against his impeachment.
The international community has been monitoring the situation closely, with Japan expressing “serious interest” in the developments. US officials have also pledged to work with South Korea, despite Yoon’s stance on election fraud claims.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-authorities-president-yoons-residence-execute-arrest-warrant-yonhap-2025-01-14