In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol is arrested on Wednesday following allegations of corruption and abuse of power, a month after imposing martial law. His Prosecutors have claimed that after authorities entered his residency to arrest him, South Korean impeached President Yoon agreed to appear at the office of investigators investigating him for the coup.

In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon stated he did not agree to receive the investigation's legitimacy but accepted it "to prevent bloodshed." He also declared that "the rule of law has completely collapsed" following his detention.

After his arrest, according to the current warrant, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours. The investigators must apply for a new warrant to extend his custody. Yun's presidency was suspended on December 14 after the opposition-dominated parliament impeached him on charges of rebellion. His fate is now in the hands of the Constitutional Court, which has begun discussions on his removal or reinstatement.

On Tuesday, the court held a hearing, but proceedings were delayed due to Yoon's absence. A fresh hearing is set for Thursday, and the trial will proceed regardless of his showing up. Yoon was impeached in December 2024 with a vote of 204-85. This was the second time attempt to detain Yoon. More than 1,000 police and anti-corruption officers took part in a multi-day operation to detain Yoon, who had been holed up in his Seoul residency for many weeks.

Yun argued that his martial law was necessary to deal with "anti-state" opponents. Despite the arrest warrant, the presidential security service had stopped previous attempts, and tensions rose as Yoon's supporters and critics showed protests nearby. While Yoon's lawyers are now negotiating his voluntary questioning the Constitutional Court is deliberating on his impeachment.

After a six-hour standoff, the investigators from South Korea's anti-corruption agency were unable to arrest impeached Yoon at his place of residence on January 3. Citing security concerns, the presidential security services blocked their entry.

Following the declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment, Yoon has been in his residency since December 12. On Tuesday, the court issued an arrest warrant on charges of rebellion.

Yoon Suk Yeol was born in Seoul in 1960 and studied law at Seoul National University before becoming a prosecutor in 1994. He rose to fame by conducting high-profile corruption investigations, notably those linking former President Park Geun-hye. Yoon joined politics in 2021, joining the conservative People Power Party and became President in 2022.