President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested on charges of masterminding martial law coup.

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea has been arrested on charges of orchestrating a coup under the December 3 Martial Law Declaration, 43 days after its imposition.

On January 15th, at 10:33 AM KST, investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and police forces entered the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, to execute an arrest warrant against President Yoon.

This marks the second attempt to enforce the warrant after a failed attempt on January 3rd. During the initial effort, a team of 100, comprising 20 CIO investigators and 80 police officers, faced resistance from over 200 members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and military personnel. The team was unable to breach a barricade of vehicles blocking access to the residence.

In contrast, the second attempt involved a significantly larger operation. The joint investigative task force, comprising CIO investigators and the National Police Agency’s special task force for martial law investigations, mobilized 54 riot police units, totaling approximately 3,200 personnel.

Details of the Arrest

• Early Morning Operation: The task force began their operation in the early hours of the morning, successfully breaking through the third layer of security barriers leading to the presidential residence.

• Minimal Resistance: Security personnel at the residence provided less resistance compared to the first attempt, allowing investigators to enter the premises relatively swiftly.

• Use of Equipment: Police utilized ladders and dismantled barbed wire to overcome barricades set up by the PSS.

The operation also included the presentation of arrest warrants for Kim Seong-hun, Deputy Director of the Presidential Security Service, and Lee Kwang-woo, Director of the Presidential Protection Bureau.

Context of the Martial Law Declaration

On December 3rd, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “domestic pro-North anti-state forces.” In a late-night emergency briefing, Yoon stated, “To protect the Republic of Korea from the threats of North Korean communist forces and eradicate pro-North anti-state factions threatening our free democratic order, I declare martial law.”

This move sparked significant controversy and accusations of power abuse and unconstitutional conduct, leading to investigations into Yoon’s actions.

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