South Korea’s impeached President Yoon arrested over martial law attempt

South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol | Photo: AFP

South Korea's impeached President Yun Suk-yeol finally arrested over a martial law attempt, on Wednesday morning.

Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested at his official residence in the South Korean capital, Seoul. Investigators had previously raided the residence to arrest him. Despite being impeached, he was staying at the presidential residence in Seoul.

A criminal investigation is underway against Yoon Suk-yeol for his role in imposing martial law. Yoon Suk-yeol is the first president in South Korean history to be arrested on charges of treason while in office.

Investigating officers and police in front of the South Korean presidential residence | Photo: Reuters

The arrest warrant for Yoon Suk-yeol was "effective" at 10:30 a.m. local time today, Yonhap news agency reported, citing the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which investigates high-ranking officials.

Following his arrest, a motorcade carrying Yoon Suk-yeol left the presidential residence in central Seoul. He was taken under tight security to the CIO's office in the Gocheon area in southern Seoul. The entire route of the motorcade was broadcast live by local media.

"This is an illegal investigation," Yoon Suk-yeol told supporters in a video message before his arrest. "But I have decided to appear before the CIO investigating officers to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. 

However, this does not mean that I have authorized their investigation."

Supporters of Yoon Suk-yeol in front of the South Korean presidential residence | Photo: Reuters

Earlier this month, investigators raided Yoon Suk-yeol's home for several hours to arrest him. However, the raid was thwarted by his security forces. This is the second time the raid has been carried out.

Yoon Suk-yeol shocked everyone by imposing martial law in South Korea on December 3. But he was forced to lift it after just six hours in the face of intense protests and resistance.

The short-lived martial law led to the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol by the country's parliament on December 14. He was temporarily suspended from his duties as president. A criminal investigation was launched against him on charges of treason and abuse of power.

Yoon Suk-yeol refused to appear for questioning when summoned by investigators. As a result, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on December 31. It expired on December 6. Investigators said the court later extended the warrant.