Official announcements from the South Korean government

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Becomes First Sitting President Arrested Over Martial Law Declaration

Jan 15, 2025, 04:03 PM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on January 15, 2025, at his residence in Seoul's Hannam-dong, marking the first time in the country's constitutional history that a sitting president has been detained. The arrest, executed by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and a special police unit, followed a 43-day period since the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. Yoon is accused of leading an insurrection and abusing his power, charges stemming from his controversial decision to impose martial law. After his arrest, Yoon was taken to the CIO's office in Gwacheon for questioning, where he refused to testify, exercising his right to remain silent. He was subsequently transferred to Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, where he spent the night in a holding cell. The questioning lasted for 10 hours and 40 minutes, and Yoon can be detained for up to 48 hours. The arrest has been met with mixed reactions, with some citizens expressing relief at the end of a tumultuous period, while others continue to support Yoon, viewing the arrest as an illegal act.