Important Takeaways:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Go deeper: South Korean president hit with travel ban after martial law mayhem
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Important Takeaways:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has surrendered himself to police forces of unclear jurisdiction and connection with the South Korean Government.
- The legacy, corrupt media is often portraying this as a simple, lawful reaction to the “unlawful” Martial Law President Yoon declared in early December.
- There is a lot more to the story that is being dismissed or not reported.
- A President can declare Martial Law in South Korea under certain conditions. There has been immense, Chinese-funded election malfeasance in South Korea, which has delivered the National Assembly to the Democrat Party.
- President Yoon is in a struggle with the opposition “Democrat Party” of South Korea that is under the control of Chinese Communist sympathizers beginning with their leader Mr. Lee Jae-myung who was convicted of crimes in November, which triggered this string of events because his conviction prevents him from running for the presidency.
- So, the Democrat Party is seizing the Presidency without an Election. The Democrat Party of South Korea is taking a lesson from Jack Smith and waging lawfare against President Yoon and throwing in a coup at the same time. This hard ball play to arrest Yoon may be backfiring – Yoon’s Party poll numbers are now surpassing the Democrat Party.
- President Yoon Suk-yeol released this message on the Unlawful Arrest and Search Warrants shortly before he handed himself over:
- “My Fellow Citizens,
- I hope this message finds you well.
- First, let me express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement so many of you have shown me. Your belief in our shared principles gives me strength every day.
- But I come to you today with a heavy heart. We are witnessing the collapse of the rule of law in this nation—a nation built on justice and freedom.
- When warrants are issued by agencies that have no legal authority to conduct investigations, and when courts that lack jurisdiction issue warrants for arrests and searches, it is clear that the system is being twisted beyond recognition.
- Even more troubling is the outright deception of the public by those entrusted with power. False documents, unlawful actions, and coercive procedures have no place in a country that values liberty and justice.
- I have made the difficult decision to appear before the Corruption Investigation Office today—not because I accept their illegitimate authority, but because I am committed to preventing unnecessary violence or harm. Let me be clear: my compliance is not an acknowledgment of their actions’ legality.
- As President, I have a solemn duty to uphold our Constitution and the principles that bind us as a people. This step is taken solely to protect lives and ensure peace in this troubling moment.
- I am inspired by the resilience of our youth and the renewed commitment of so many to the ideals of freedom and democracy.
- Though we face dark times, I firmly believe that the future of this nation remains bright, because it rests in the hands of people like you—who understand the value of liberty and are willing to stand for it.
- Take heart, my friends. Our nation has faced adversity before, and we have always emerged stronger.
- With faith, resolve, and unity, we will restore the integrity of our laws and the promise of our democracy.
- God bless you, and God bless our great nation.”
- January 20, 2025 can’t come soon enough for the U.S. or our close allies, South Korea.
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Important Takeaways:
- President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday said he had no choice but to resort to such a measure to safeguard free and constitutional order in his country.
- He accused opposition parties for allegedly taking hostage of parliament to throw the country into a crisis and for sympathizing with North Korea.
- In a televised address to the nation, the president vowed to ‘eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.’
- In response, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called his announcement ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’
- It has been reported that the parliament building, the National Assembly, has been shut, with entry and exit blocked to members.
- Protesters charged towards the building in Seoul, with people breaching the main gate shortly after the announcement.
- South Korean Democratic Party chair Lee Jae-myung said there is a high possibility military is mobilized to arrest members of National Assembly.
- Meanwhile, defense minister Shin Won-sik has ordered all military units to strengthen readiness.
- Martial law involves the temporary rule by military authorities. It is usually invoked in time of war, rebellion, or natural disaster.
- Curfews are usually introduced, in addition to the suspension of civil law and civil rights. Civilians defying martial law being subjected to military tribunes.
- It was not immediately clear how the steps would affect governance and democracy.
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