Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained during a large law enforcement operation at the presidential compound on Wednesday. Despite his defiant claims that the anti-corruption agency lacked authority to investigate him, Yoon complied to prevent violence.
In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon criticized the collapse of the rule of law, calling it a troubling sign for the nation. Yoon, the first sitting president to be detained, had been hiding in his Hannam-dong residence in Seoul for weeks, vowing to resist efforts to remove him. He defended his brief martial law declaration on Dec. 3 as a necessary action against an opposition using its legislative majority to obstruct his agenda.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials took Yoon into custody about five hours after investigators arrived at the presidential compound. Black SUVs, some with sirens, were seen leaving the compound, and Yoon was later seen at the agency’s office in Gwacheon before being sent to a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul.
Yoon could remain in custody for weeks. The agency, leading an investigation into whether Yoon’s martial law declaration constituted rebellion, has 48 hours to request a formal arrest. If Yoon is arrested, investigators can extend his detention for 20 days before transferring the case for prosecution.
During his first two hours of questioning, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent. The detainment warrant, issued by the Seoul Western District Court, cited strong evidence linking Yoon to a rebellion attempt.
Yoon’s powers were suspended after parliament impeached him on Dec. 14, and the Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.
In a Facebook post after his detainment, Yoon justified his martial law declaration, calling it necessary to challenge an opposition exercising “legislative dictatorship.” He denied rebellion charges and called his impeachment “fraud.”
The law enforcement operation began with an hourslong standoff between investigators, police, and Yoon’s security. Police used wire cutters to dismantle barriers and eventually reached the presidential building, encountering no meaningful resistance.
Acting leader Choi Sang-mok urged all sides to avoid physical confrontation. Following Yoon’s detainment, Choi met with diplomats from the G7 nations, including the U.S., Japan, and Germany, assuring them of the country’s stability.
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, called Yoon’s detention “the first step toward restoring constitutional order.” Meanwhile, Yoon’s supporters and critics rallied near the compound, with thousands of police closely monitoring the tense situation.
Yoon had declared martial law on Dec. 3, briefly deploying troops around the National Assembly before lawmakers lifted it. The opposition voted to impeach him on Dec. 14 for rebellion, and the Constitutional Court held its first hearing on the case Tuesday, although Yoon refused to attend.
The U.S. National Security Council expressed support for the Korean people and reaffirmed its commitment to working with South Korea’s acting government.
