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South Korea has witnessed an unprecedented event – the arrest of incumbent President Yun Seok-yol, who will go down in history as the first leader of the country to be arrested in office. This event, which caused shock around the world, marks a new stage in the rapid decline of Yoon’s political career, Yonhap reports.
Yoon, 64, a former prosecutor known for his fight against corruption, had been staying at his residence in Seoul in recent weeks in an attempt to evade justice. But after another raid on his home by prosecutors and police, he agreed to cooperate.
“I have decided to respond to the summons of the Corruption Investigation Bureau, although I do not recognise the legitimacy of the case. I am doing this to avoid bloodshed,” Yoon said.
Accusations and political chaos
The president is accused of attempting to undermine democracy, including the imposition of martial law on 3 December 2024 and sending the army to parliament to intimidate MPs. These actions caused widespread outcry, and parliament voted to impeach him, which is pending a final decision by the Constitutional Court.
Yoon also refused to appear at his impeachment trial, calling the charges “political persecution”.
Political path: from the top to the bottom
Born on 18 December 1960 in Seoul, Yoon Seok-yeol has spent most of his career in the prosecutor’s office, where he became known for his anti-corruption work. He played a key role in the investigation that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye in 2017.
In 2022, Yoon became president after one of the most bitterly contested election campaigns in South Korean history. His policies included a tough stand against North Korea, a close alliance with the United States, and a rapprochement with Japan, which drew criticism at home.
Falling rating and a series of scandals
Yoon’s presidency has been marred by tragedies such as the Halloween stampede in 2022, where more than 150 people died, and numerous corruption scandals involving his wife, Kim Gong-hee.
His popularity fell rapidly, leading to a crushing defeat in the April 2024 parliamentary elections.
