Seoul (Agencies): South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally arrested following a court ruling on Sunday, marking the first time in the country’s history that a sitting president has been taken into custody.
The Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant for Yoon after hours of deliberation, citing concerns that he might “destroy evidence.” This follows his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, a decision that has plunged South Korea into its most severe political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.
Yoon, who is under investigation for alleged insurrection, refused to cooperate with authorities during questioning. Prosecutors requested an extension of his detention, which was granted, allowing them to hold him for up to 20 days. During this period, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in coordination with police and military investigators, will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
The charges against Yoon center on his martial law declaration, which critics argue undermined democratic principles and led to widespread unrest. The decision has drawn condemnation both domestically and internationally, with many viewing it as a significant threat to South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Yoon and his legal team appeared before the court on Saturday to plead for his release but were unsuccessful. Legal experts suggest his arrest could lead to a prolonged period of detention as investigations continue.
This dramatic turn of events has deepened political divisions in the country and raised concerns about the future of South Korea’s governance amid ongoing instability.