Jakarta, Literasihukum.com – Former President of South Korea (ROK), Yoon Suk Yeol, was officially arrested on Wednesday (15/1) after being a fugitive for weeks. His arrest is related to a case of rebellion that stemmed from his controversial attempt to impose martial law last month.

Yoon became the first president in South Korean history to be arrested on these serious charges. According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), if found guilty, Yoon faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Dramatic Arrest After a Long Standoff

The former leader had been holed up in his residential complex for weeks, protected by personal guards from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) who remained loyal. The complex was even transformed into a "fortress" with barbed wire barricades to prevent law enforcement from entering.

The first arrest attempt on January 3 failed after a long standoff between Yoon's bodyguards and a joint team of anti-corruption investigators and police. In that situation, Yoon had stated that he would "fight to the end."

However, the second arrest attempt was successful before dawn on Wednesday (15/1). Hundreds of security officers surrounded Yoon's residence, with some of them climbing over the boundary walls to enter the main area. After several hours of negotiations, Yoon finally surrendered.

Statement Before Arrest

In a previously recorded video message, Yoon conveyed that he had decided to cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office. "I have decided to respond to the Corruption Investigation Office," he said. Although he did not acknowledge the legality of the investigation, Yoon stated that his actions were aimed at "preventing unwanted bloodshed."

After his arrest, Yoon was taken in a convoy to the Corruption Investigation Office for further examination.