South Korean President Arrested Over Martial Law Declaration

President Yoon said he regards the investigation as illegal and that he allowed himself to be arrested to avoid a violent incident.

Police officers and investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials pass through the entrance to the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as authorities are seeking to execute an arrest warrant, in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 15, 2025. Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

South Korean investigators on Jan. 15 arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol—who is currently suspended from office—over his short-lived martial law declaration last month.

Local media reported that a convoy of vehicles was seen departing the presidential residence and that it was believed to be transporting Yoon to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) headquarters for questioning.