South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on Wednesday on charges of leading an insurrection, marking the first time in the nation’s history that a sitting president has been detained. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), supported by the police, executed the arrest at Yoon’s residence, citing his martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024. Yoon, impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14, had repeatedly refused to cooperate with investigators and continues to dispute the CIO’s jurisdiction and the charges against him.

The arrest has elicited sharp political reactions. The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) hailed it as a step toward restoring democracy and the rule of law, while the ruling People Power Party condemned it as a politically motivated abuse of power. The KOSPI index rose above 2,500, reflecting investor relief amid signs of institutional stability. Separately, diplomats from the G7 and EU, met with Acting President Choi Sang-mok, praising South Korea’s democratic resilience and reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation.