South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is under investigation on multiple fronts, including accusations of insurrection, after declaring martial law in early December. He has already joined the ranks of presidents impeached by Parliament and faces a court trial that may determine his fate.
For the first time in history, a sitting president is being detained for questioning on criminal charges. Investigators are working across several agencies to build their case against him. The National Police Agency (NPA) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Ministry of Justice and other law enforcement agencies.
The president’s lawyers have maintained that he remains the sole elected leader, but investigators disagree. Yoon’s last attempt to avoid detention was blocked by his own agency, the Presidential Protection Service.
Despite the challenges, experts predict a Constitutional Court decision as early as February, which could bring an end to the country’s ongoing political turmoil. The court’s verdict will have no impact on Yoon’s criminal proceedings, but it may influence his lawyers’ strategy if he is reinstated. Yoon will now face questioning for up to 48 hours regarding his involvement in insurrection when he ordered troops into Parliament during martial law.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/14/world/asia/south-korea-president-yoon-arrest-people.html