Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s president, was arrested after a long investigation into alleged insurrection. He is the first sitting president in South Korea to face arrest.
Amid scandals and opposition, Yoon, 64, faced increasing isolation during his term. His career as a top prosecutor once earned him significant public support, helping him win the presidency in 2022.
His presidency faced challenges from the start, marked by his impeachment for imposing martial law on December 3, which shocked the nation.
Yoon now confronts multiple criminal investigations for insurrection. He resisted an arrest warrant from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), using it to rally support despite mounting legal and political issues.
After a two-week standoff in his fortified residence, Yoon agreed to questioning to avoid violence. He had previously called on supporters to combat “anti-state forces.”
Read: South Korea’s President Yoon Impeached Over Martial Law Attempt
A scandal involving his wife, accused of accepting an expensive Christian Dior handbag, worsened his political troubles. He refused to allow investigations into the scandal or related allegations against his family.
On the international stage, Yoon succeeded in easing long-standing tensions with Japan and forming a security alliance with the U.S.
In 2023, Yoon displayed his charismatic side at a White House event, singing “American Pie” to an appreciative audience.
Despite his elite education, Yoon’s early academic struggles included failing the bar exam multiple times before eventually passing.
His rise to power began with his role in prosecuting former President Park Geun-hye for corruption, significantly boosting his profile.
Yoon’s presidency continued under the shadow of controversies, including his refusal to fire officials after a 2022 crowd crush that killed 159 people. He often relied on old-school ties when making key appointments.
