Yoon, who faced charges of rebellion for his recent attempts to impose martial law, claimed it was necessary to protect South Korea from threats posed by North Korean forces and to eliminate dissent against his government. He is the first sitting president in the nation's history to be apprehended.
A former prosecutor who led the People Power Party to victory in the 2022 elections indicated that Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted of rebellion.
In the weeks leading up to his arrest, Yoon attempted to evade capture by remaining at his residence, guarded by loyal Presidential Security Service members who had fortified the area with barriers, turning it into what the opposition termed a "fortress." Following his arrest, Yoon could be detained for up to 48 hours while investigators seek an additional warrant for his continued detention.
His legal team has consistently denied the legality of the arrest warrant.
In a related investigation, the Constitutional Court initiated proceedings on Tuesday to determine whether to impeach Yoon. The hearing was briefly adjourned after Yoon refused to attend, with the next session scheduled for Thursday, although the process could extend for months. If the court approve the charges, Yoon would lose the presidency, necessitating a new election within 60 days.
The opposition Democratic Party of Korea celebrated Yoon's arrest, with a floor leader stating that it marked a crucial step towards restoring constitutional order, democracy, and the rule of law.