15.01.2025 08:56
South Korean President Arrested
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yol, who was impeached by parliament in December on charges of attempting to impose martial law, has been arrested in a second attempt. The president has voluntarily agreed to appear for questioning.
This is the first time in South Korean history that a president has been temporarily detained. While guards resisted the first attempt, this time investigators were able to bring Yoon to the Corruption and High-level Officials Investigation Bureau.
Yun called the arrest illegal in his speech, but said he was handed over to the authorities to avoid bloodshed. However, he stressed the illegality of the case and expressed his lack of confidence in the legal and judicial system.
President Yoon attempted to impose martial law in December to defy parliament. The opposition Democratic Party called the move an "attempted rebellion" and impeached him. Although the Constitutional Court has yet to rule, Yoon remains formally president.
Opposition leader Park Chang-dee said Yoon's arrest demonstrates the stability of justice and democracy.
According to the BBC, Yun's arrest will not resolve the political crisis, but could deepen it.
Investigators said they can now hold Yun in custody for two days to obtain court approval. After the court's decision, he could be released or detained for a longer period.
Three South Korean presidents have faced impeachment proceedings: President Roh Moo-hyun (2004), Park Geun-hye (2016-2017), and Yoon Suk-yol (2024).
The Impeachment of Roh Moo-hyun (2004)
In 2004, President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached on charges of violating election laws and violating his non-partisan status. The parliament approved the motion, but on May 14, the Constitutional Court overturned the charges and reinstated him.
Impeachment of Park Geun-hye (2016-2017)
President Park Geun-hye was impeached in 2016 following a corruption scandal. The case involving her close advisor Choi Soon-sil caused a huge public outcry. In 2017, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, and Park Geun-hye was permanently removed from office.
Yoon Suk-yol's Impeachment Trial (2024)
Yoon Suk-yol was impeached in 2024 amid an attempted martial law and sharp criticism from parliament. Although the process is still ongoing, the incident dealt a major blow to his political standing and deepened distrust. Yoon's case marked the first time a president in South Korean history was temporarily detained.