In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon was arrested following an hours-long standoff early this morning. The operation commenced at approximately 5:10 a.m. when investigators from the Chief Intelligence Office (CIO) and police presented arrest and search warrants to Yoon’s legal team at his residence.
Unlike the initial attempt on January 3, the Presidential Security Service did not interfere with the execution of the warrant this time, allowing the arrest to proceed smoothly. At 10:33 a.m., the CIO, collaborating with a joint investigation team of police officers, confirmed that the warrant had been successfully enforced. A motorcade believed to be transporting President Yoon departed the presidential residence heading to the CIO headquarters.
Shortly after his arrest, President Yoon released a prerecorded video message asserting that the investigation against him was illegal. He stated, \"After seeing investigators using firefighting equipment to invade a secure area today, I've decided to accept the CIO's investigation — even though it is illegal, just to prevent disgraceful bloodshed.\"
The CIO, an independent body tasked with investigating high-ranking officials, had been authorized to arrest Yoon last month following a warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court on December 31. The previous attempt to execute the warrant was thwarted by Yoon's bodyguards and military personnel, who formed a human barricade, resulting in a standoff that lasted over five hours.
President Yoon had declared emergency martial law on December 3 and is accused of issuing illegal orders to military commanders during this period. Under his command, the martial law authorities reportedly mobilized the military to block the National Assembly, raid the National Election Commission, and arrest prominent political figures and outspoken critics.
The suspended president is currently under criminal investigation following his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 15. He faces serious allegations, including leading an insurrection and committing abuse of power.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
