South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been detained by the country’s anti-corruption agency, marking an unprecedented move in the nation’s history. This action is part of a criminal investigation into Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law last December.

Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was seen as an attempt to quell growing opposition to his administration, but it was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly. In response, impeachment proceedings were initiated, and the Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the case.

The detention is the first time a sitting South Korean president has faced such legal action. Authorities had attempted to arrest Yoon earlier this month, but resistance from his security led to a standoff at his residence. On January 15, he agreed to surrender, saying he wanted to avoid further violence. This marks a critical point in the political crisis, with the impeachment trial still ongoing and the country grappling with significant instability.