Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — South Korean authorities arrested former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, following his controversial declaration of martial law in December last year. The arrest came after clashes between law enforcement and presidential security forces at Yoon’s residence.
According to CNN Indonesia, a team of investigators, comprising police officers and officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), arrested former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, January 15, following a confrontation with his presidential security detail.
Early Wednesday morning, over 3,000 police officers marched to Yoon’s residence to carry out the arrest. This marked the CIO’s second attempt to detain Yoon for questioning over his brief declaration of martial law on December 3–4, 2024.
An arrest warrant for Yoon had been issued earlier in the day. “The Joint Investigation Headquarters issued an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol today, January 15, at 10:33 a.m. local time,” an investigator involved in the case state, as reported by AFP.
Yoon Agrees to Surrender
In a statement reported by Reuters, Yoon announced his decision to comply with the investigation to prevent further ‘bloodshed’ and violence. “When I saw them breach the security perimeter today using firefighting equipment, I decided to respond to the CIO investigation—despite its illegality—to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Yoon said.
Yoon had been holed up in his residence since being impeached on December 14, 2024, following widespread backlash over his martial law declaration. The impeachment, supported by a majority in parliament, ended his presidency.
Detention and Investigation
Yoon was taken to the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon for questioning over allegations of rebellion linked to his December declaration. Authorities have 48 hours to interrogate him before deciding whether to seek an extension to detain him for up to 20 days or release him.
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As the investigation unfolds, the arrest of a former president underscores the enduring political and social divisions in South Korea, raising questions about the nation’s path forward after this unprecedented crisis.
(Raidi/Agung)
