My country is in crisis': A divided South Korea grapples with Yoon's arrest

After news broke of the arrest of South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol, his supporters displayed shock, dismay, and tears outside his residence. This moment had been brewing for some time, ever since an attempt to arrest Yoon on January 3rd failed after a dramatic standoff.

However, when the news of his arrest broke on Wednesday morning, it seemed only to create more uncertainty and highlight the divisions within the country. Yoon's brief imposition of martial law and the parliament's impeachment had already deeply polarized the nation. One tearful woman supporting Yoon stated, "This country is in crisis. I've been praying since last night that Korea can be stable and peaceful." Both sides say they want peace, but they cannot agree on how to achieve it.

For the past month, 64-year-old Yoon had remained inside the presidential compound in central Seoul, while his supporters and opponents rallied outside. They had turned Yongsan in central Seoul into a hub of protests, with tensions often running high. On Tuesday night, hundreds camped out in sub-zero temperatures of -8 degrees Celsius as an arrest seemed imminent. The only thing they shared was the food trucks providing hot drinks and instant noodles to keep warm.

Yoon’s supporters clashed with the 3,000 police officers who had come to arrest him. One protester shouted, "Don't call us stupid far-right people," reflecting the frustration of the pro-Yoon camp. Across the street, a very different scene unfolded. Opponents who had long called for Yoon's arrest were jubilant. Their cheers only angered the pro-Yoon camp further, with some shouting, "Don't mock us, this is not funny." This division was not limited to this corner of Yongsan; it has gripped the entire nation for over a month.

On December 3rd, Yoon's sudden declaration of martial law almost immediately split public opinion into two camps. While some believed his claims that the nation was under threat, many more viewed the move as an opportunistic abuse of power. This sentiment was even reflected within Yoon's own party, as several of its members voted to impeach him. The growing opposition to Yoon's actions has cast a shadow over the country.

South Korea’s end-of-year season is usually vibrant, but this year has been noticeably different. The political turmoil, along with the Jeju Air crash on December 29th, created a somber and melancholic atmosphere. Yoon himself had largely avoided the public eye since being impeached by parliament in mid-December. He never emerged from his residence to meet his supporters. On New Year’s Day, he sent them a note saying he was “closely watching [them] via YouTube live streams.” He missed the first impeachment trial hearing on January 14th, delaying the trial process.

Prior to this, he had refused to comply with multiple summonses as part of a criminal investigation into insurrection, which led to the issuance of the arrest warrant. On Wednesday, he released a video statement saying he would cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) to avoid "bloodshed," while claiming their warrant was legally invalid. This was a massive operation after the CIO warned that members of the presidential security detail could also be arrested if they again attempted to block Yoon’s arrest. Unlike last time, the CIO and police successfully detained Yoon, though it still took hours of negotiation.

Once he was removed from the presidential compound, the surrounding streets began to empty. Protesters dispersed, and police barricades were removed. Some of Yoon’s supporters moved to the CIO where he was being questioned. They need another arrest warrant to detain him beyond 48 hours. While Yoon's arrest ended the security standoff, it has not ended the broader divisions that exist in South Korea, a country that has become a leading global economy and beacon of democracy in Asia in recent decades.

One protester outside the presidential compound declared, "It doesn't even make sense to arrest the leader of this country." A dissenting voice countered, "Executing the arrest warrant was a necessary step, Yoon was trying to undermine the country's democracy." Yoon himself continues to question the CIO’s authority to arrest him, with his lawyers saying it has none, as insurrection is not a corruption charge. But the CIO says insurrection is an abuse of power, which falls within their remit.

What appears to be a legal debate has already delved deep into the political realm, with both sides seeking to control the narrative. The swift impeachment of Yoon's immediate successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has already led to accusations that impeachment is being used as a political tool against Yoon's allies. And with Yoon’s impeachment trial set to begin this week, there is more uncertainty. Public attention will be focused on any statements Yoon makes while in detention or on trial.

There are fears that, regardless of Yoon's future, the polarization that has defined South Korean politics will continue.