Weeks after martial law chaos, the impeached South Korean president is being held in detention.

Weeks after declaring martial law, former President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested following his impeachment.

Weeks after martial law chaos, the impeached South Korean president is being held in detention.
Weeks after martial law chaos, the impeached South Korean president is being held in detention.

Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained by South Korean law enforcement for questioning after declaring martial law last month. Yoon reportedly stated that he was cooperating with the anti-corruption probe to prevent violence.

Despite the illegality of the investigation, Yoon chose to cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) to prevent violence.

Authorities detained Yoon and have 48 hours to seek a formal arrest warrant, according to Yonhap.

Officers close in on Yoon residence
Police officers and investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials pass through the entrance to the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as authorities are seeking to execute an arrest warrant, in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 15, 2025. (REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji)

According to Reuters, Yoon was labeled as the "ringleader of insurrection" in a search warrant.

"Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of preventing physical conflict between state agencies in a statement on Wednesday. He also stated that he would hold those responsible if any unfortunate events occurred."

On Jan. 3, a standoff occurred between military guards and the president's security staff after a previous attempt to detain Yoon was called off. The CIO expressed regret about the suspect's attitude, who did not comply with the legal process. After the failed arrest, Yoon remained at his compound with his security team.

South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon on Jan. 15, 2025. Yoon was arrested on Jan. 15 over his failed martial law bid, after hundreds of anti-graft investigators and police raided his residence to end a weekslong standoff.
South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon on Jan. 15, 2025. Yoon was arrested on Jan. 15 over his failed martial law bid, after hundreds of anti-graft investigators and police raided his residence to end a weekslong standoff. (STR/KOREA POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Investigators have faced challenges in executing a warrant for Yoon's arrest due to the president's legal counsel's assertion that it is impossible to do so under a law prohibiting non-consensual searches of locations that may contain military secrets.

On Dec. 31, a warrant for Yoon's arrest was issued after he failed to appear for questioning regarding the martial law fiasco.

Protesters march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Protesters march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

On December 3, Yoon announced martial law and pledged to eliminate "anti-state" elements. He also accused the parliament of supporting North Korea. The parliament's speaker and the leader of Yoon's own party opposed the declaration. On December 14, Yoon was suspended in a 204-85 vote.

Yoon's attorneys argue that the investigation was unlawful and that the warrants were used to publicly embarrass the beleaguered leader.

by Rachel Wolf

world

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

world
Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

world
Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

world
Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

world
Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

world
Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

world
A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

world
What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

world
A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

world
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

world
As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

world
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

world
Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

world
A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

world
The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

world
In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

world
Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

world