By The South Asia Times

SEOUL - In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea's Chief Investigative Office (CIO) has detained President Yoon Suk-yeol, marking the first time in the nation's history that a sitting president has been arrested and charged with insurrection. The unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape.

President Yoon is accused of involvement in activities that investigators allege constitute insurrection against the state. The charges stem from an ongoing probe into allegations of undermining constitutional governance. The CIO, which specializes in investigating high-ranking officials, announced the arrest following weeks of intensive investigation.

The arrest took place early Wednesday morning at the Blue House, the presidential office and residence in Seoul, under heavy security. Yoon was reportedly cooperative but has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and called the investigators action is "illegal."

The arrest has plunged South Korea into political turmoil, with opposition parties demanding accountability while Yoon’s supporters decry what they call a "witch hunt." Protesters from both sides have taken to the streets, adding to the charged atmosphere in Seoul and other major cities.

"This is a dark day for South Korea’s democracy," said Kim Ji-hoon, a lawmaker from Yoon’s party. "The allegations are baseless, and the arrest sets a dangerous precedent."

Meanwhile, the opposition hailed the move as a victory for justice. "No one is above the law, not even the president," said Lee Min-jung, a senior leader of the Democratic Party.

Following the arrest, investigators began questioning impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law after his detention, Yonhap News Agency reported citing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

Yoon appeared at the CIO's office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, about 20 minutes after investigators detained him at his residence in central Seoul.

South Korea has a history of prosecuting former presidents after they leave office, but this is the first instance of a sitting president being detained. Past leaders have faced charges ranging from corruption to abuse of power, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggle with political accountability.

The international community is closely watching the developments in South Korea, a key economic power and U.S. ally in East Asia. The U.S. State Department expressed hope for a fair and transparent legal process, while neighboring Japan and China refrained from commenting on the internal affairs of South Korea.

As the investigation continues, South Korea faces a pivotal moment in its democratic history. The detention of President Yoon underscores the principle that no individual is immune to the rule of law, but it also highlights the deep political divisions within the country. The coming weeks are likely to test South Korea’s institutions and its commitment to justice and democratic values.