In an unprecedented move, South Korean authorities have arrested the impeached president, Yoon Suk-yeol. This marks the first time in the nation's history that a sitting president has been taken into custody.
The joint investigation unit, comprising the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Office of Investigation, and the Defense Ministry's investigative headquarters, successfully apprehended Yoon at 10:33 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The arrest followed a tense confrontation with the presidential security service early in the morning.
Yoon chose to appear for questioning voluntarily, stating his decision was to prevent bloodshed despite labeling the investigation as \"illegal.\" Video footage captured a black vehicle transporting Yoon to the CIO office in Gwacheon, where he began his interrogation at 11 a.m.
Currently, Yoon is held at the Seoul Detention Center, with the entire process being recorded. Within the next 48 hours, the CIO must decide whether to extend his detention for up to 20 days or release him. The investigation has intensified, with over 200 pages of questions prepared, focusing on critical issues such as the declaration of emergency martial law, the arrest of key political figures, and attempts to disrupt the National Assembly.
Experts believe Yoon might leverage his legal expertise to navigate the investigation, potentially invoking his right to remain silent and selectively answering questions. Despite these tactics, former presidential secretary Kwon Ki-sik views the arrest as a victory for the South Korean populace, highlighting the strong public support behind Yoon's impeachment.
International perspectives are also shaping the narrative. Da Zhigang, director at China's Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Yoon's proactive stance might garner positive public and international opinion, while also urging the constitutional court to approach the case with caution.
With Yoon facing serious allegations of insurrection, the legal proceedings are expected to be swift, potentially concluding with a verdict by mid-March. The case not only underscores a significant moment in South Korean politics but also sets a precedent for future presidential accountability.
Reference(s):
What's next for South Korea after impeached president's arrest
cgtn.com
