South Korea’s political landscape witnessed a seismic shift today as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested in a dramatic pre-dawn operation, marking the first-ever arrest of a sitting president in the nation’s history.
Dramatic raid and arrest
In an extraordinary scene that unfolded early Wednesday morning, approximately 100 investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police officers executed a high-stakes arrest operation at the presidential residence. The operation took an unexpected turn when law enforcement officers were forced to scale compound walls using ladders after being denied entry at the main gate.
Before his arrest, Yoon released a pre-recorded message, stating, “I decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office.” While agreeing to submit to questioning, the suspended president maintained his stance on the investigation’s legitimacy, adding that he was only complying “to prevent any unfortunate bloodshed.”
Constitutional crisis unfolds
The arrest stems from allegations that Yoon attempted to deploy military forces against parliament on December 3, during proceedings to challenge his controversial consolidation of power. This unprecedented action led to his subsequent suspension from office by lawmakers.
According to reports from Yonhap news agency, the presidential guard’s acting head, Kim Seong-hun, was also taken into custody.
Opposition celebrates democratic “restoration”
The Democratic Party hailed the arrest as a crucial moment for South Korean democracy. “The arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol is the first step toward restoring constitutional order, democracy, and the rule of law,” declared floor leader Park Chan-dae during a party meeting, as reported by AFP.
Inside the operation
Law enforcement’s determination to execute the arrest warrant was evident in their tactical approach. When faced with resistance at the main entrance, officers utilized multiple entry points, including:
- Scaling compound walls with ladders
- Accessing the residence via nearby mountain trails
- Deploying a significant force of unarmed investigators
The arrest represents a watershed moment in South Korean political history, potentially reshaping the nation’s democratic institutions and setting precedents for executive accountability in years to come.