South Korea's Impeached President Faces New Arrest Attempt Amid Political Turmoil

KRKorea|

South Korean authorities are making a renewed effort to arrest impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol as investigations into insurrection allegations continue. This comes after Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, which has plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

On Wednesday, vehicles from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) were seen outside Yoon's hillside villa in Seoul, where he has been staying for several weeks. Approximately 6,500 of Yoon's supporters gathered at the residence, with some lawmakers forming a human chain to obstruct the execution of the arrest warrant, according to Yonhap news agency.

If arrested, Yoon would make history as South Korea's first sitting president to be detained, following a failed attempt on January 3 that ended in a standoff with his presidential guards. The authorities are now reportedly deploying up to 1,000 personnel to facilitate the current arrest attempt, warning that any guards obstructing the process may also face detention.

Yoon's controversial actions, including deploying soldiers to storm Parliament, have raised concerns about a potential regression to military rule, generating significant unrest within South Korea's vibrant democracy. Further developments are expected as authorities seek to navigate this unprecedented political crisis.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Korea

South Korea's Constitutional Court Removes President Yoon Suk Yeol Following Controversial Martial Law Declaration

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled on April 4, 2025, to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office due to his controversial attempt to impose martial law, which lawmakers labeled a "grave betrayal." This decision follows Yoon's suspension in December 2023 after he ordered armed soldiers to occupy parliament and was subsequently arrested on insurrection charges. Acting court President Moon Hyung-bae emphasized the "serious negative impact" of Yoon's actions on civilian governance, stating that these actions constituted significant constitutional violations. Yoon's removal is immediate and will lead to new presidential elections within 60 days, with authorities expected to announce the electoral date soon. This ruling comes at a time of heightened political tension in South Korea, with widespread public fallout from Yoon's actions. Protests have erupted from both supporters and opponents of the president, indicating a deeply divided political landscape.
KRKorea

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached and Removed from Office

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has been officially removed from office following a ruling by the country’s constitutional court, which upheld an impeachment decision by parliament. Yoon's impeachment stemmed from his controversial declaration of martial law in December, which he argued was necessary to combat "anti-state" forces supportive of North Korea. The court's unanimous decision has raised significant concerns regarding the future of democracy in South Korea. Acting president Han Duck-soo will oversee the government until a new president is elected, with a vote expected within 60 days. This ruling has intensified existing societal divisions, as Yoon's supporters claim the impeachment proceedings were illegal, while recent polls show that 60% of South Koreans favor his removal. Demonstrations involving both supporters and opponents have occurred, although a heavy police presence limited access to the court area during the ruling. Yoon, the second South Korean president to be impeached after Park Geun-hye in 2017, also faces separate insurrection charges that could carry severe penalties.
KRKorea

South Korea Faces Unprecedented Wildfires, 27 Lives Lost

South Korea is grappling with its worst wildfire crisis on record, with at least 27 fatalities and extensive destruction reported in the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang. According to officials, the fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds, have burned over 36,000 hectares, displacing around 37,000 residents. The country's disaster chief, Lee Han-kyung, declared the event a stark reminder of the severe realities posed by climate change. The wildfires, originating in Uiseong county, have outpaced previous fire disasters, exceeding the 23,913 hectares scorched in the 2020 wildfire. Responding to the emergency, the military has deployed resources to support firefighting efforts, with over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters mobilized. The situation remains critical, with several historical sites, including two UNESCO World Heritage locations, under threat. Experts attribute the rapid spread to a combination of extremely low rainfall and climate change, which has intensified the region's dry conditions. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that last year was the hottest on record, further contributing to the wildfire risks faced by the country.
KRKorea
All Korea News ->