South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Arrested Amid Political Turmoil

On January 15, 2025, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested at the presidential palace, making history as the first sitting president in the country’s modern era to face such a consequence. Reports indicate that a joint investigative team, which includes the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation (NOI), and the defense ministry, executed the arrest at around 10:33 AM local time. Following his arrest, Yoon was taken away for questioning at the CIO office before being moved to the Seoul Detention Center.

In a statement released before his detention, Yoon expressed that he chose to attend the investigation to prevent any potential violent incidents, despite believing that the probe was unjust. His comments were made in a video from his residence, where he highlighted the unwanted risks of further unrest. The opposition Democratic Party welcomed Yoon's arrest, viewing it as a necessary step towards restoring democracy and legal order in the nation after a period of significant political upheaval.

The circumstances leading up to his arrest were notably different from a previous failed attempt on January 3, where investigators were faced with a blockade set up by presidential security forces. This time, the operation saw little resistance, as Yoon was caught off guard by the thorough preparations of the investigative team, leaving him with few options. Experts suggest that Yoon is likely to refute the allegations against him, raising questions about the future of judicial proceedings and the potential for escalating political conflict in South Korea.

Following Yoon’s arrest, public sentiment became polarized, leading to massive protests outside the presidential mansion. Pro and anti-Yoon demonstrations erupted, with approximately 8,700 supporters rallying nearby, while others openly celebrated the arrests. Tensions were high as slogan-shouting crowds clashed with police forces trying to maintain order, exposing a deep division within the nation. Political analysts warn that this ongoing turmoil could exacerbate rifts among the country’s conservative and progressive factions, potentially reshaping South Korea’s political dynamics in the coming months.