South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, accusing him of insurrection related to his December 3 martial law declaration, investigators confirmed.

Yoon's motorcade departed from his hillside residence, heavily secured with barbed wire and guarded by a personal security detail. The motorcade later arrived at the offices of the anti-corruption agency leading the investigation.

In a statement, Yoon explained his decision to submit to questioning, emphasizing the need to avoid violence after over 3,000 police officers converged on his residence in the early hours of Wednesday to execute the arrest.

"When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIO's investigation – despite it being an illegal investigation – to prevent unsavoury bloodshed," Yoon stated.

Yoon's legal team has mentioned that the arrest efforts are unlawful and intended to publicly disgrace him. Notably, the warrant secured for his arrest marks the first time such a warrant has been issued against a sitting South Korean president.

As news outlets reported that Yoon's detention was imminent, minor clashes broke out between pro-Yoon supporters and police near the residence. Tearful demonstrators faced off with authorities, according to a Reuters witness on-site.

Yoon’s martial law declaration shocked South Korea, plunging the nation into an unprecedented political crisis. On December 14, lawmakers voted to impeach and suspend him from presidential duties.

The Constitutional Court is now deliberating on whether to uphold the impeachment, which would result in Yoon’s permanent removal from office.

BOB Post