President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained for questioning on criminal charges on Wednesday, making him the first sitting South Korean leader to do so. After a weekslong standoff, he struck a deal with law enforcement officials.
Mr. Yoon’s security guards had initially blocked investigators from detaining him on Jan. 3, but on Wednesday, they did not resist when the investigators returned with more police officers.
Mr. Yoon will now face questioning regarding his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3. Officials can question him for 48 hours and may apply for a separate court warrant to arrest him.
The National Assembly opposed Mr. Yoon’s declaration and accused him of insurrection. The Constitutional Court is deliberating on Mr. Yoon’s impeachment and the legitimacy of the Assembly’s vote on Dec. 14.
Police buses gathered outside the presidential compound where Mr. Yoon was staying. Investigators and police officers attempted to detain him, leading to discussions with his security guards and lawyers.
Lawyer Seok Dong-hyeon, serving as Mr. Yoon’s spokesman, stated on Facebook that negotiations were ongoing for Mr. Yoon to voluntarily submit himself for questioning. The investigators were prepared for a repeat of the previous standoff on Jan. 3.
On Wednesday morning, with Mr. Yoon’s supporters gearing up to resist his detention, a tense standoff ensued. Live footage showed physical struggles as Mr. Yoon’s lawyers and party members stood outside the compound gates.
Security guards had fortified the compound since the first detention attempt. Mr. Yoon remains determined to fight against what he considers an illegal court warrant.
Acting president Choi Sang-mok warned against violence in the standoff involving Mr. Yoon. The unfolding events have captured the nation’s attention, with concerns of a potential clash if neither side backs down.
A hearing at the Constitutional Court on unseating Mr. Yoon began, but he did not attend. His lawyers cited fears of detainment if he left the compound. During the previous detention attempt, his security outnumbered the agents seeking to detain him.
Jin Yu Young contributed reporting.