DeKalb GA News

The political landscape in South Korea remains tense as President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested following a second attempt by police authorities. This development comes six weeks after his controversial martial law declaration and 10 days after an initial failed arrest effort.

Sky News reported that "a motorcade of black SUVs was seen leaving the gates of his hillside residence where he had been holed up for weeks behind barbed wire and a small army of personal security." In a pre-recorded video message, Yoon stated, "the rule of law has completely collapsed," and explained that he complied with the detention warrant to prevent clashes between police and the presidential security service.

Despite efforts from Yoon's lawyers to avoid execution of the arrest warrant by proposing voluntary questioning, police faced resistance when trying to access the president’s office. A standoff ensued between police forces and Yoon’s security team until hundreds of officers eventually entered the grounds using ladders to overcome barriers. Reports indicate that 3,200 officers were deployed for this operation.

Local media reported one person collapsed during the standoff and was transported away by emergency services. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is investigating whether Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3 constituted an attempted rebellion.

Before detaining President Yoon, investigators arrested Kim Sung-hoon, acting chief of presidential security, who had previously blocked their attempts earlier this month. On January 3, Mr. Yoon’s security service prevented dozens of investigators from arresting him during a nearly six-hour standoff.

Yoon declared martial law in early December and deployed troops around the National Assembly. The measure was quickly overturned when politicians breached the blockade and voted to lift it. His presidential powers were suspended following an impeachment vote on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

President Yoon described his appearance for questioning as 'voluntary' with intentions to prevent violence between police and his Presidential guard. Yonhap News Agency via Sputnik quoted him saying: "In order to stop unwanted bloodshed, I made the decision to appear in the prosecutor’s office despite the illegality of these actions." He further explained that investigators attempted entry into his residence using 'firefighter equipment,' prompting his cooperation.

While vowing to uphold the Constitution, Yoon rejected "the validity of the investigative process," stating that participating in it does not equate acceptance but rather aims at preventing violence.