In a shocking turn of events, the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon, was arrested after an hours-long standoff at his official residence. 😱
The operation kicked off at the crack of dawn, around 5:10 a.m., when investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police officers presented arrest and search warrants to Yoon's legal team. Unlike a previous attempt earlier this month, the Presidential Security Service didn't put up a fight this time. ✅
By 10:33 a.m., the authorities had executed the warrant. A motorcade, believed to be carrying President Yoon, was seen departing the presidential residence en route to CIO headquarters. 🚔
Shortly after his arrest, a pre-recorded video message from President Yoon surfaced. In the video, he labeled the investigation as illegal but claimed he was complying to prevent \"disgraceful bloodshed.\" 💔 He said, \"After seeing investigators using firefighting equipment to invade a secure area today, I've decided to accept the CIO's investigation—even though it is illegal, just to prevent disgraceful bloodshed.\"
The CIO, an independent body that tackles misconduct of high-ranking officials, obtained the arrest warrant on December 31 from the Seoul Western District Court. Their first attempt to arrest Yoon on January 3 was thwarted by a massive human barricade of about 200 presidential bodyguards and military personnel. 🛡️
Back in December, President Yoon declared emergency martial law on the 3rd and is now accused of issuing illegal orders to his military commanders during that period. The martial law command allegedly mobilized the military to block off the National Assembly, raid the National Election Commission, and arrest prominent political figures and outspoken critics—all under Yoon's directives. 🎯
Following his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 15, Yoon faces serious charges, including leading an insurrection and abuse of power. The nation's eyes are now glued to the unfolding drama, with many wondering what this means for the future of South Korean politics. 👀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
