On January 15, 2025, South Korean authorities successfully arrested impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol after a prolonged operation to access his residence. This arrest follows Yoon's refusal to comply with summons from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is investigating him over allegations related to a recent martial law declaration.
The operation began early in the morning, with investigators managing to breach the presidential residence after two previous attempts were thwarted by Yoon's security team. A convoy of officials from the anticorruption agency and police gained entry at approximately 8:00 AM local time (23:00 GMT on January 14), three hours after the operation commenced.
Despite barricades set up by the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and a human chain formed by Yoon's supporters, authorities proceeded with the arrest. The head of the PSS, Kim Sung-hoo, was also arrested for obstructing the operation.
Yoon is facing scrutiny for his declaration of martial law, which was deemed failed by the National Assembly on December 14, leading to his impeachment. Approximately 3,000 police officers were deployed to manage the situation, and over 6,500 of Yoon's supporters gathered at the residence to protest the arrest.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis in South Korea, with implications for the country's governance and political stability.