In the latest development of South Korea‘s ongoing political crisis, tensions escalated as police could not apprehend suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol following a six-hour standoff.
Authorities attempted to apprehend Yoon following his brief declaration of martial law in early December; however, they engaged in a prolonged standoff with the presidential security team for much of the day.
Extraordinary developments have marked the past few weeks, as the opposition-controlled parliament took the historic step of voting to impeach Yoon, followed by the impeachment of his successor in the role of acting president.
Despite gathering hundreds of supporters outside the presidential residence in protest of the arrest, Yoon’s future remains uncertain.
Authorities were pursuing his arrest in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation related to the declaration of martial law. The outcome of his political career now rests with the nation’s constitutional court, which holds the power to oust him from his position by affirming the impeachment decision.
Why did Yoon declare martial law?
On December 3, just an hour before midnight, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. This move marks a significant moment in the nation’s democratic history since its establishment in 1987.
Yoon asserted that his actions were aimed at safeguarding the nation from “anti-state” elements aligned with North Korea. However, it quickly became apparent that his motivations were closely tied to his political challenges.
Since assuming office in May 2022, Yoon has faced a series of scandals and struggled with low approval ratings. In 2024, he was a lame-duck president following a decisive victory by the main opposition Democratic Party in the general election. According to Celeste Arrington, director of The George Washington University Institute for Korean Studies, he found himself in a position where he had to veto bills passed by the opposition, a strategy employed with “unprecedented frequency.”
In the days leading up to December 3, the opposition took decisive action by cutting the budget proposed by President Yoon’s administration. Additionally, efforts were underway to impeach cabinet members for their alleged failure to investigate first lady Kim Keon Hee, who was at the center of a scandal.
In response to mounting political challenges and following senior aides’ counsel, Yoon has decided to impose martial law.
The decision ignited widespread protests and fueled public outrage.
Members of Parliament rejected the declaration, with numerous individuals scaling fences and breaching barricades to gain access to the heavily secured National Assembly for the vote.
Lawmakers from various political affiliations condemned the action, labeling it as unconstitutional. The former leader of Yoon’s conservative People’s Power Party described the action as “wrong.”
After the controversial decision, protests erupted, with participants braving the cold temperatures. Tens of thousands gathered to demand the removal of Yoon from his position.
“No martial law!” was the rallying cry of the protesters. “End the reign of dictatorship!”
So what happened next?
In a significant political move, opposition lawmakers have initiated a motion to impeach Yoon, which requires a two-thirds majority for approval.
The opposition Democratic Party, holding 192 of the 300 available seats, still needed the support of eight members from the PPP to proceed with the impeachment vote. However, members of Yoon’s party adhered to the party line during the initial vote, choosing to boycott the proceedings and exit the chamber collectively.
The resolute opposition pledged to submit an impeachment motion every week until it is successfully enacted. On December 14, the second attempt proved successful, as 12 members of Yoon’s party joined forces with the opposition to vote for impeachment.
Yoon has been suspended from office and is awaiting a ruling from the constitutional court, which is required to decide within six months following the impeachment vote. According to analysts, judges are expected to deliver a verdict by February.
If Yoon is ousted, the nation must conduct an election within the next 60 days to select a new leader. Lee Jae-Myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, is currently leading significantly in opinion polls.
At the same time, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who assumed the role of acting president following Yoon’s departure, has now faced impeachment himself. The opposition has leveled accusations against him, claiming he obstructed the impeachment proceedings against Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the roles of acting president and acting prime minister.
In the wake of the events that unfolded on December 3, former cabinet ministers and aides to President Yoon have stepped down from their positions. Several individuals have been taken into custody by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), probing allegations against Yoon regarding the misuse of his authority and the incitement of insurrection through the martial law directive.
Among those taken into custody is former defense minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is said to have proposed the declaration of martial law to President Yoon. While in detention, Kim attempted to end his own life.
The unsuccessful effort to arrest Yoon
Yoon has consistently stood his ground, ignoring several summons to attend questioning, prompting a Seoul court to issue an arrest warrant for him.
On January 3, approximately 100 police and CIO officers confronted the president’s security team at his residence in central Seoul.
The Chief Information Officer has officially suspended operations following a six-hour standoff, citing safety concerns for the team on the ground.
Authorities have a deadline of January 6 to apprehend him before the current warrant lapses. Following that date, they would be required to seek a new warrant for his detention.
The acting president has committed to taking all necessary measures to restore stability. However, should the opposition perceive him as uncooperative, they may initiate impeachment proceedings against him.
South Korea has experienced an extraordinary month marked by significant events and developments. Yoon has become the first sitting president to confront the possibility of arrest, leaving the future uncertain.
Financial markets have experienced a significant downturn, with the South Korean won hitting its lowest point against the dollar at the end of December, a level not seen since the global financial crisis in 2008.
South Korea is a significant player in the global economy and a vital ally of the United States, making any unrest within its borders a matter of concern on multiple levels.