Kathmandu, January 15
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested, marking the first time a sitting president in South Korea has faced such an action.
The Anti-Corruption Investigation Office and police conducted a joint operation to investigate him in connection with the declaration of martial law. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to detain him due to interventions by the presidential security team, the authorities succeeded in their second attempt by using more force, according to the BBC.
On December 3, 2024 President Yoon declared martial law, justifying it as a necessary measure to protect the country from threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces. However, amid opposition from members of his own party and other political factions, he withdrew the decision within six hours.
Following this, on December 14, the South Korean Parliament passed an impeachment motion against him, leading to his suspension from office. The matter is currently under review in the Constitutional Court, which holds the authority to determine whether an impeached president should be permanently removed from office.
The Anti-Corruption Investigation Office had summoned President Yoon three times for questioning regarding his actions, but his failure to comply was deemed an obstruction to the investigation. This prompted the court to issue an arrest warrant.
The arrest sparked protests from his supporters, who gathered in large numbers to oppose the move. President Yoon, after being detained, claimed that his arrest was unlawful but stated that he accepted it to prevent further bloodshed.
