The President of South Korea is in custody.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested last month during the final phase of a political saga that began with a state of emergency decision and lasted for weeks.

According to Yonhap, officials from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) took action for the second time to implement the arrest warrant for Yoon. Officials heading to the presidential residence were blocked by barricades set up by the Presidential Security Service.

While around 6,500 people gathered in support of Yoon around the residence, lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) also came together in front of the residence to protest the decision.

ARRESTED

Additionally, around 3,000 police officers were present around the residence, and it is stated that the decision regarding the arrested Yoon will remain valid until January 21. Such an action against a sitting president in South Korea is occurring for the first time. It was reported that during the day, the military unit protecting the presidential residence approved the entry of police and CIO officials into the residence.

The South Korean Western District Court had issued an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from the presidency due to an investigation into "rebellion" and "abuse of power" on December 31, 2024, but the execution of the warrant could not be carried out due to a scuffle between the police and the security personnel at the official residence.

WHAT HAPPENED?

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency on the night of December 3, 2024, citing that "the opposition was involved in anti-state activities," but he took a step back after the parliament voted to lift this decision and it was approved by the Cabinet.

Yoon, whose removal was requested by the Assembly, was temporarily suspended from duty until the Constitutional Court made a decision regarding him, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was appointed as acting president.

In an initiative by the opposition, a decision for the impeachment of Prime Minister Han, who was acting as president during the vote in the National Assembly on December 27, 2024, was also made. The acting presidency was taken over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Choi Sang-mok.