Src: Reuters
On January 15, 2025, South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol at his residence in Seoul. This move came after a brief and unsuccessful attempt by Yoon in attempting to impose martial law on December 3, 2024, which was immediately nullified by the National Assembly.
Yoon's decision to declare martial law was met with strong opposition from lawmakers, who quickly voted to rescind it. This action caused his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, with his presidential powers subsequently suspended.
On January 14, 2025, the Constitutional Court held the first hearing of its impeachment proceedings against Yoon. However, because Yoon was absent, the hearing was short, and the next meeting was set for January 18.
On January 15, the arrest was second attempt by the authorities. The first attempt on January 3 ended in a standoff with Yoon's security detail.
Investigators and policy faced resistance from the Presidential Security Service, which had blocked the entrance with vehicles. Ladders were used by the authorities to enter the compound.
Yoon, following his arrest, released a pre-recorded video message stating that he chose to comply with the investigation to avoid potential violence.
Yoon's effort to impose martial law has led to his being charged with insurrection. He has 48 hours to be formally arrested by the prosecution, after which he will be released.
The constitutional court will decide whether to remove Yoon from office permanently. For this to happen, at least sic of the eight justices must vote in favor of impeachment.
Given that Yoon is the first sitting president to be arrested, this represents a serious political crisis in South Korea.
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