Impeached South Korean President Yoon Arrested

The country’s anti-corruption agency announced Yoon's detention after hours of standoff between investigators and his security detail. Hundreds of officers and investigators had gathered outside his presidential compound to carry out the arrest. Previous attempts to detain Yoon had been blocked by his guards.

Earlier on Wednesday, as authorities attempted to execute the arrest warrant, they were confronted by presidential security. Yonhap news agency reported that a tense standoff ensued when investigators presented search and detention warrants for Yoon.

Authorities were at his residence to enforce an arrest warrant linked to his martial law declaration, which has sparked national controversy. Local news footage showed police officers carrying ladders and wire cutters as they moved toward his hillside villa.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok addressed the situation, stating, “The execution of the presidential arrest warrant has begun. This is a critical moment for maintaining order and the rule of law in South Korea.”

Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours under the current warrant, after which authorities would need to apply for an extension if they wish to continue his detention. However, Yoon’s legal team has contested the legitimacy of the warrant.

The arrest came amidst growing political tensions, with approximately 6,500 of Yoon’s supporters gathering outside his residence, including some lawmakers who formed a human chain in an attempt to block the arrest.

Yoon's martial law declaration, made in an attempt to consolidate power, has led to his impeachment and placed South Korea at the center of its worst political crisis in decades. The declaration included deploying military forces to storm parliament, escalating the crisis significantly.