South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, a former prosecutor, has been formally arrested on insurrection charges, marking his first time behind bars in a cell since taking office. The arrest comes after he declared martial law last month, which was later voted down by the opposition-dominated National Assembly.
Yoon, 64, is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Center, a government-run jail south of Seoul, where he faces charges of leading an insurrection during his short-lived martial law declaration. The indictment carries life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
As president, Yoon was known for his lavish lifestyle, often hosting parties and inviting like-minded politicians to evening drinks. However, his current situation symbolizes a dramatic fall from power, as he is now facing an unprecedented crisis.
The Seoul Detention Center, where Yoon is being held, has previously housed infamous death row inmates, including serial killers. He will be assigned an inmate number, pea-green uniform, and basic necessities for jail life, with limited access to the internet and entertainment.
Yoon’s lawyers have insisted that his imposition of martial law was a legitimate use of presidential power, but prosecutors argue that he led an insurrection by ordering military commanders to seize the Assembly and arrest his political enemies. The country’s Constitutional Court is also deliberating on whether Yoon should be formally removed from office.
The dramatic turn of events has left many South Koreans stunned, with some protesters holding signs reading “Yoon Suk Yeol: It’s time for a digital detox!” As Yoon navigates this unprecedented crisis, he will face numerous trials and challenges in the coming weeks.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/world/asia/south-korea-president-yoon-jail-life.html