Payam Javan: South Korea has made history with the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first time a sitting president has been detained. Yoon was taken into custody at his residence on December 3, 2024, following his controversial six-hour declaration of martial law. He was subsequently transported to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) for questioning.

Yoon’s martial law declaration, reportedly aimed at suppressing opposition and censoring media, faced swift and unanimous opposition from parliament, forcing him to rescind the order within hours. The embattled president now faces charges of insurrection, a grave offense that carries potential penalties of life imprisonment or even the death penalty upon conviction.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon’s impeachment, with a decision expected within the next six months. The case has sent shockwaves through South Korea, highlighting a dramatic moment in the nation’s political history.