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

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has made history as the first sitting president in the country's history to be arrested, facing charges related to his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. According to news agency Reuters, authorities arrested the impeached president after over 3,000 police officers and anti-corruption investigators stormed his residence.
Yoon had been holed up behind barbed wire and heavy security for weeks before the incident. Following the declaration of martial law, lawmakers voted to impeach him, which was finalized on December 14, 2024. He remains embroiled in legal controversies as the Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the legitimacy of his impeachment.
Despite his arrest, Yoon's legal team contends that the measures taken against him are illegal and aimed at causing public humiliation. Protests erupted outside his residence between supportive demonstrators and police, leading to minor confrontations. In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon expressed his discontent with the investigation's legality but stated he complied with the authorities to prevent violence.
The unfolding situation raises significant questions about the state of governance and the rule of law in South Korea.