South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday (15 January 2025) after a dramatic five-hour standoff at his fortified residence, where he had evaded arrest for weeks. Yoon faces charges of insurrection for attempting to impose martial law in December 2024, citing threats from North Korea and “anti-state elements.” Although Yoon revoked the order after lawmakers defied him, his actions sparked a political crisis and impeachment.
Authorities surrounded Yoon’s compound before dawn, scaling walls and breaking through barricades to execute the arrest. In a pre-recorded video, Yoon defended his compliance as a measure to prevent “bloodshed” while questioning the legality of the investigation. Supporters of Yoon clashed with police outside his residence, chanting against the arrest and waving flags, adding to the tension surrounding the event.
If convicted, Yoon, a former prosecutor and leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is reviewing his impeachment, with the next hearing scheduled for Thursday. If upheld, the impeachment will lead to new elections within 60 days, further reshaping the nation’s political landscape.
The opposition Democratic Party welcomed the arrest, calling it a step toward restoring governance, while Yoon’s PPP allies denounced it as unlawful. Adding to the controversy, Kim Sung-hoon, the acting Presidential Security Service chief, was also detained for obstructing Yoon’s initial arrest attempt. The unfolding case has deeply polarized the country, igniting debates over justice, leadership, and national stability.
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