South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol voluntarily surrendered for questioning on January 15, following what his legal team has called a politically motivated investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
The detention warrant was executed at 10:30 a.m. local time after police units surrounded the presidential compound.
In a statement recorded from his residence, Yoon defended his actions, describing the investigation as “illegal” and accusing authorities of undermining the rule of law. He reiterated that his declaration of martial law on December 3 was a necessary response to “anti-state” threats aimed at destabilising the nation.
Yoon’s declaration was swiftly overruled, leading to his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14. However, many supporters believe the impeachment process was rushed and unjust, motivated by subversive forces originating in North Korea and China. The Constitutional Court is still deliberating on whether to permanently remove him from office.
Yoon’s legal team argued that his decision to surrender demonstrates his commitment to peace and stability, even in the face of political adversity. His supporters, who have staged ongoing protests, view him as a defender of national sovereignty and are vowing continued support amid fears of further confrontations.
