South Korea's impeached president arrested
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Members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and police officers make their way towards the presidential residence in Seoul to serve a warrant to detain South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan. 15. Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested at his presidential residence on Wednesday morning local time following an hours-long standoff, images from the scene show.
Why it matters: It's the first time an incumbent president has been detained in South Korea and marks the second attempt by anti-corruption investigators to arrest him for questioning related to his brief martial law declaration last month that triggered protests and shocked allies.
- Yoon's many guards and supporters prevented the last attempt earlier this month.
The big picture: South Korean police are investigating Yoon for possible insurrection in connection with his declaration that saw him impeached and suspended from presidential duties.
- He has via lawyers denied the allegations and maintains he took the emergency action to counter "pro-North Korean" elements in the country.
- Yoon could face life in prison or the death penalty if he were charged and convicted of the offenses he's accused of as presidential immunity doesn't extend to insurrection or treason in South Korea.
In photos: How Yoon's arrest unfolded
Go deeper: South Korean president hit with travel ban after martial law mayhem
Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos and details from the arrest.
