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

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