South Korea’s ousted president, Yoon Suk-yeol, was arrested following his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The political fallout has intensified divisions within the country.

Martial Law Sparks Constitutional Crisis

In December, Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, citing gridlock caused by the opposition-controlled parliament. His orders included deploying special forces to the National Assembly, attempting to detain political leaders, and blocking access to the building. However, swift action by lawmakers overturned his declaration before it could fully take effect.

Following the failed power grab, parliament voted to suspend Yoon’s authority, leaving him as a president in name only. The Constitutional Court now faces the task of determining whether to permanently remove him from office. A majority of six out of nine judges is required, but the process has been mired in controversy, as the court was understaffed during the initial proceedings.

Arrest Follows Resistance and Legal Wrangling

Yoon had resisted investigations, shielded by his presidential security detail. An earlier attempt to arrest him in January failed due to this protection. On Tuesday, authorities made a second attempt, equipped with tools and prepared for a standoff. However, the arrest was resolved through negotiations without conflict.

On Wednesday, Yoon was taken into custody. Despite his arrest, he received special treatment, such as avoiding handcuffs and traveling in his presidential convoy rather than a police vehicle. In a video address, Yoon denied the charges and claimed his actions were lawful. He stated that his cooperation was meant to avoid “unnecessary bloodshed.”

Political Reactions and a Divided Nation

Yoon’s arrest has deepened political divisions in South Korea. His conservative People Power Party denounced the impeachment as a power grab by the liberal opposition, comparing it to the impeachment of former conservative president Park Geun-hye in 2017. The party is determined to avoid a repeat of its electoral losses from that period.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party (DP) celebrated Yoon’s arrest as a step toward restoring democratic norms. Party leader Park Chan-dae stated that it marked “the beginning of a return to constitutional order and the rule of law.”

The Constitutional Court has promised to expedite its ruling on Yoon’s removal. Until then, authorities must decide within 48 hours whether to extend his detention. Legal experts expect the court to uphold his arrest, with Yoon likely remaining in a secure facility in Seoul.

South Korea now stands at a critical juncture. As the legal battle unfolds, the nation faces the challenge of rebuilding trust in its democratic institutions amid growing political polarization.