South Korea Arrests Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol

  • 15 Jan 2025

On 15th January 2025, South Korea arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection, marking a historic and turbulent moment for the nation’s democracy.

  • President Yoon voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Wednesday to prevent potential violence during the arrest operation involving over 3,000 police officers.
  • This arrest follows Yoon's December 3 declaration of martial law, a move that shocked the nation, led to his impeachment by lawmakers, and triggered weeks of political unrest.
  • Yoon’s legal team claims the arrest is an unlawful attempt to humiliate him, as authorities now have 48 hours to decide whether to seek an extended detention warrant.
  • Pro-Yoon protesters clashed with police near his residence as news of the arrest unfolded, reflecting the deep political divisions within South Korea.
  • The Constitutional Court is still deliberating whether to permanently remove Yoon from office or restore his presidential powers following his impeachment on December 14.