South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Has Been Arrested

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially been arrested by the CIO (Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials).

Earlier today, the CIO officially served Yoon Suk Yeol his arrest warrant and he has been transported to the CIO headquarters to begin questioning. The CIO arrived at Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence at around 4:40 am KST to prepare for his arrest. At 10:33 am KST, the CIO served Yoon Suk Yeol his arrest warrant and his motorcade began the short drive to CIO headquarters.

Shortly after his arrest, Yoon Suk Yeol’s aides released a pre-recorded video message to his supporters. The transcript in English, provided by Korea JoongAng Daily, is below.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all those who have cheered me on and supported me.

Unfortunately, the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.

Seeing warrants being issued by agencies without investigative authority, and courts without warrant review authority issuing arrest warrants and raid warrants, and seeing investigative agencies issuing false official documents to deceive the people, committing such illegal acts, and forcibly proceeding with procedures based on invalid warrants, I cannot help but feel regretful.

Even though I am experiencing such illegal acts and am at a disadvantage, I hope that this will not happen to our citizens in the future when they experience criminal cases.

Today, I decided to appear at the CIO in order to prevent an unpleasant bloodshed after seeing them invade the security zone with firefighting equipment.

However, I do not approve of the investigation by the CIO. As the president who must protect the Constitution and legal system of the Republic of Korea, responding to such illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment or approval of the investigation but rather a desire to prevent unpleasant bloodshed.

Seeing the people, especially our youth, truly re-recognize the value of liberal democracy and show passion for it, I have come to think that although the law is collapsing and these are very dark times, the future of this country is hopeful.

Citizens, I hope you stay healthy and strong.

— Yoon Suk Yeol

When he is not under questioning, Yoon Suk Yeol will be held at the Seoul Detention Center. Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting Korean president to be arrested.