Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been taken into custody following a prolonged standoff with law enforcement. Authorities detained Yoon for questioning regarding his attempted martial law declaration last month, which was swiftly rejected by lawmakers. Yoon reportedly cooperated with the anti-corruption investigation to prevent potential violence.

According to Yonhap, a major South Korean news agency, Yoon stated, "Although it is an illegal investigation, I decided to agree to appear at the CIO in order to prevent ugly bloodshed." He was referencing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO). Around 3,000 law enforcement personnel were deployed to Yoon's residence, which was encircled by both supporters and opponents of the embattled former leader.

The image above depicts police and CIO investigators at the entrance of Yoon's official residence in Seoul. Authorities now have 48 hours to request a formal arrest warrant. A search warrant referred to Yoon as the "ringleader of insurrection," according to Reuters.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the need to avoid clashes between state agencies and vowed to hold those responsible for any resulting violence accountable. This follows a previous attempt to detain Yoon on January 3rd, which resulted in a six-hour standoff between military guards and the president's security detail. The CIO expressed disappointment with Yoon's non-compliance at the time. Since then, Yoon had remained at his compound under the protection of his security team.

The image above shows Yoon arriving at the CIO building in Gwacheon after his apprehension.

Executing the arrest warrant has been challenging due to Yoon's legal team arguing against non-consensual searches of locations potentially containing military secrets. The initial warrant was issued on December 31st after Yoon failed to appear for questioning related to his martial law declaration.

The image above depicts protests against Yoon in Seoul prior to his impeachment.

Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3rd, aimed at eliminating "anti-state" forces and accusing parliament of North Korean sympathies, was met with opposition from parliamentary leadership and his own party. He was subsequently impeached on December 14th. Yoon's lawyers contend that the investigation and warrants are unlawful and designed to humiliate him.