On January 18, 2025, a court in Seoul approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence related to allegations of insurrection. This decision follows Yoon's declaration of martial law last month, which has triggered the country's most significant political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.
This marks a historic moment as Yoon becomes the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. Investigators have been probing Yoon for potential rebellion charges linked to his actions on December 3, when he declared martial law. The Seoul Western District Court granted law enforcement's request for the warrant after a lengthy deliberation.
Yoon's detention could extend for an initial period of 20 days, during which the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, along with police and military, will prepare the case for public prosecutors. Yoon's legal team has argued for his release, and they may file a petition to contest the arrest warrant.