South Korea’s President Yoon arrested

South Korean investigators have arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for alleged insurrection over his bid to impose martial law, a move that plunged the country into turmoil


Motorcade carrying Yoon after arrest


Dec 3, 2024: President Yoon declares martial law (above), but withdraws order six hours later after lawmakers rush to National Assembly and vote to rescind it

Dec 5: South Korean prosecutors open investigation into Yoon and other key officials for alleged insurrection over martial law declaration

Dec 14: Days of protest culminate in opposition-dominated parliament voting to impeach Yoon – their second attempt to do so after majority of his ruling party members boycott first vote

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo steps in as acting president

Dec 27: Parliament votes to impeach Han after opposition lawmakers argue he refused demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process

Dec 31: Seoul court issues warrant for Yoon’s arrest after he ignores multiple summons to appear for questioning

Jan 3, 2025: Presidential guards and military troops prevent authorities from arresting Yoon in his official residence in Seoul

Jan 15: Yoon Suk Yeol becomes first incumbent South Korean president to be arrested when he finally backs down in weeks-long standoff with authorities


Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC
Pictures: Getty Images
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