On December 3, a controversial decision to impose martial law sent shockwaves across the nation. The order, issued by President Yun, was met with widespread backlash from the public, parliament, and even members of his own party. Within hours, the decree was rescinded under mounting pressure. Shortly after, parliament voted to impeach Yun, effectively stripping him of his presidential powers. The impeachment now awaits confirmation from the Supreme Court to take full effect.
The political drama reached its climax on Wednesday when President Yun was arrested after a tense standoff between his security detail and investigators from the High-ranking Corruption Examination Bureau (KIB). The KIB had attempted to detain Yun as early as January 3,but a six-hour confrontation with his guards thwarted their efforts. However, in a dramatic pre-dawn operation, over a thousand investigators and police officers descended on the presidential residence in central Seoul. Armed with ladders to scale barriers and pliers to cut through barbed wire, they successfully executed the arrest warrant. Hours later, authorities confirmed Yun’s detention.
just before his arrest,Yun released a three-minute video addressing the nation. In the recording, he expressed his willingness to cooperate with investigators but maintained his stance that the arrest warrant was illegitimate. “To prevent bloodshed,I have decided to stand before the KIB,even though this is an illegal investigation,” Yun stated. He also accused officials of “invading” his home grounds using firefighting equipment.
During the interrogation that followed, yun reportedly refused to answer any questions. His legal team argues that his arrest is unlawful, citing the KIB’s lack of jurisdiction to investigate allegations of a coup.However, representatives from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice have reaffirmed the legality of the arrest warrant. The warrant remains valid for 48 hours, after which a court-approved extension could allow for Yun’s detention for up to 20 days as the investigation continues.
