South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on Wednesday morning, following his surprise declaration of martial law in December 2024. Despite strong support from his followers, who attempted to block the authorities’ access to his residence, the arrest warrant was enforced. This was the second attempt to detain Yoon, after the first in January 2025 failed.
Yoon was taken from his Seoul residence, under heavy police escort, to the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), where he is now being questioned on charges of abuse of power and incitement. The president justified his decision to declare martial law, citing a budget dispute with the opposition and describing the measure as necessary to protect democracy.
The arrest has further escalated the political crisis in South Korea. Since his suspension, Yoon has been living under high security measures, and his supporters have repeatedly tried to prevent the arrest. They view him as a defender of democracy, while critics see him as a threat to the constitutional order.