South Korean authorities, after a dramatic and tense standoff, have arrested the nation's suspended President, Yoon Suk-yeol. Early Wednesday, investigators scaled ladders into Yoon's residential compound in Seoul, escalating their efforts to apprehend the embattled leader. This significant operation, involving approximately 1,000 police officers, came as part of an ongoing investigation into charges of insurrection against Yoon.
The arrest scene unfolded after Yoon, who had been hiding in his hillside villa for weeks, failed to appear at his impeachment trial on Tuesday. His absence forced the adjournment of the hearings, which had been initiated following the National Assembly's decision to impeach him on December 14. The impeachment followed Yoon's unexpected declaration of martial law during a late-night address on December 3, 2024.
"I will sternly hold those responsible if unfortunate events occur." – Acting President Choi Sang-mok
The operation faced initial resistance as the Presidential Security Service and a group of lawmakers from the governing conservative People Power Party blocked the entrance to Yoon's residence with vehicles. Despite these challenges, the investigators were determined to carry out their task, marking their second attempt to arrest Yoon after a failed operation earlier in January that ended in a prolonged standoff.
A crowd of thousands gathered outside Yoon’s home, some expressing support for the impeached president. In response to the tense atmosphere, Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged calm and emphasized avoiding physical confrontations between state agencies.
In a twist, Seok Dong-hyeon, a close friend and adviser to Yoon, stated that the President was willing to cooperate with investigators if they de-escalated their approach at his residence. Meanwhile, South Korea watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold against its former leader.
