Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested last week in a dramatic dawn raid, marking the first time a sitting South Korean head of state has been detained in a criminal investigation. The charges against Yoon center on insurrection, following his controversial declaration of martial law, which lawmakers swiftly voted down after just six hours. Despite claiming the investigation is illegal, Yoon vowed to "fight to the end" against the charges, resisting arrest for weeks before finally being detained.
Yoon now resides in a 12-square-meter cell at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, a space similar in size to those where former presidents have been held. As part of his detention, Yoon will transition from his usual attire into a khaki prison uniform and receive an inmate number. Despite these developments, Yoon declined to attend questioning on Monday by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which had initially attempted to compel his attendance but halted efforts "in accordance with human rights protection regulations."
The arrest follows a period of intense political unrest, with up to 35,000 supporters of Yoon gathering outside the Constitutional Court on Saturday. This protest turned violent, resulting in injuries to 51 police officers, including head injuries and fractures. According to a police report, protesters were "throwing objects such as glass bottles, rocks, and chairs into the court grounds." Additionally, "Some 100 protesters entered the court premises, smashing windows of the first floor, damaging the walls and entering inside the building."
Yoon's legal team has stated that he will make his first appearance at a Constitutional Court hearing on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Korea Correctional Service assured that Yoon has been "assigned to one of the standard rooms used by regular inmates," according to Shin Yong-hae, commissioner general of the service. Shin further confirmed that "the individual cooperated well with the procedures without any particular issues."
The charges against Yoon stem from his abrupt martial law declaration, an act that has sparked widespread debate and divided public opinion. The move was seen as an attempt to consolidate power amidst growing political instability. However, its swift rejection by lawmakers underscored the strength of democratic institutions in South Korea.
Yoon's defiance against the investigation has drawn both criticism and support. His refusal to attend questioning by the CIO and his resistance to arrest highlight his determination to challenge the legal processes he deems unjust. Yet, his actions have also fueled unrest among his supporters, culminating in the violent protests seen at the Constitutional Court.
The situation with Yoon presents a complex challenge for South Korea's legal and political systems. As the nation watches closely, Yoon's upcoming court appearances are expected to be pivotal moments in this unfolding political drama.
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