On January 15, 2025, South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk-yeol, was arrested at his official residence in Seoul. This marked the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained.
Yoon faced impeachment on December 14, 2024, following his controversial declaration of martial law. Despite his removal from office, he remained in the presidential residence, leading to a tense standoff between his security personnel, supporters, and law enforcement.
In a video message before his arrest, Yoon called the investigation “illegal” but chose to surrender to avoid bloodshed.
The Constitutional Court is now deciding whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him, a decision that could shape South Korea’s political future.
