former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been formally arrested for insurrection and abuse of power. This follows a declaration of martial law by the National Assembly, which is considered to be unconstitutional. Immediately after Yoon’s arrest, much unrest broke out among his supporters. There were angry protests against him and his arrest led to a series of clashes between police and his violent followers.
Impeachment and Arrest
On December 14, 2024, the National Assembly impeached President Yoon because of his controversial decision to declare martial law on December 3, 2024. His move aimed at breaking a log jam in the legislature was considered unconstitutional. Following his impeachment, Yoon was arrested on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. The Seoul Western District Court issued a warrant for his arrest and expressed concern about the possible destruction of evidence.
Protests and Unrest
Following Yoon’s arrest, there were immediate protests across the country. Even as supporters made a concerted effort to capture him–arrest two policemen and then attempt revenge on a town hall meeting in Chigok, Cheju Province–there was more violence with the police. Approximately 45 demonstrators were arrested during this violence. The Korean Herald. The acting President, Choi Sang-mok, condemned the attacks as “unimaginable” and pledged enhanced security measures.
Yoon’s Defense
In a handwritten letter from his detention center, Yoon made two points in his own defense. The first was that “Martial law is not a crime. Martial law is an invocation of presidential authority to remedy a national crisis.”His second was to argue that his impeachment was a product of narrative: cankered insurrection being put together with a declaration of martial law, and that was “truly absurd”.
Legal Proceedings
Twenty days will be the period in which the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) will aim to prepare an indictment against Yoon. Life imprisonment or the death penalty are among the penalties that accompany charges as severe as these. The Yoon defense team has questioned the legality of his arrest on the grounds that it was issued by an agency that is not equipped to investigate further.
Political Implications
At a stroke, Yoon’s arrest has driven deepening political divisions in South Korea. His supporters see him as the victim of a conspiracy, while opponents regard his actions as posing a threat to the very structure of constitutional order. The Constitutional Court will decide on his impeachment–which will have enormous implications for this country’s political map–Richard Kim
The arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol marks a major chapter in South Korea’s political history, reminding people that the way in which the powers of the government are distributed forms a delicate balance. As the continuing legal process makes plain, the country is still polarized along lines drawn in November by these events: Was Yoon right? And what wider implications will his decision have?
