On Wednesday afternoon, investigators revealed that Yoon, amidst questioning, chose to exercise his right to remain silent. This decision has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing interrogation process.
Yoon is anticipated to spend the night at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, located roughly 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the CIO’s office. This facility, known for its stringent security measures, is where he will remain unless a detention warrant is issued within the next 48 hours. If such a warrant is not forthcoming, Yoon will be released, allowing him to return to his presidential residence.
The air outside the investigating office has been thick with tension as Pro-Yoon supporters have staged ongoing protests against his arrest. Their presence, coupled with the opposing faction, has turned the area into a battleground of ideologies. Earlier on Wednesday morning,both groups had congregated outside Yoon’s residence,creating a scene of stark contrasts.
The anti-Yoon contingent erupted into jubilation upon the announcement of his arrest. Cheers, claps, and the resounding notes of a “congratulations and celebrations” song filled the space, marking their victory in this political tussle. In stark contrast, the pro-Yoon crowd was visibly distraught. “We are very upset and angry – the rule of law has broken down,” one supporter candidly expressed to the BBC, encapsulating their collective sentiment.
While the majority of South Koreans concur that Yoon must face accountability for the martial law order,there’s a palpable discord on the nature of this accountability. Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, earlier articulated to the BBC, “The vast majority agree on the necessity of accountability, but consensus on its form remains elusive.”
The events of Wednesday morning vividly highlighted the deep-rooted divisions within the nation, signaling that the political crisis is far from resolution.With uncertainties looming, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges, underscoring the need for a cohesive approach to navigate the complexities of this situation.
