South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, facing impeachment, was arrested on Wednesday as part of an insurrection investigation. He is expected to be held in a solitary cell during questioning at a detention center. Yoon is the first sitting president to face arrest in South Korea, following notable figures like ex-President Park Geun-hye and Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee, who were also detained at the Seoul Detention Centre.
Investigation and Interrogation Details
Yoon was taken to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon, near Seoul. This independent agency investigates high-ranking officials, including the president, though prosecution authority rests with the prosecutors’ office.
Reports suggest the questioning will be fully recorded to prevent disputes over Yoon’s statements. The interrogation area has been equipped with new facilities, including a rest space with a sofa for the former prosecutor-turned-president.
Detention Process
Authorities have 48 hours to question Yoon before deciding whether to seek a detention warrant for up to 20 days or release him. He will likely be transferred to the Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, 22 km south of Seoul, and housed in a solitary cell due to his status.
On arrival, Yoon will undergo an ID check and a health examination before following a detainee schedule of rising at 6:30 a.m. and lights out at 9 p.m.
Life in Detention
The Korea Correctional Service provides detainees with meals totaling 2,500 calories per day at a cost of about $1.09 per meal. Wednesday’s dinner menu included bean sprout soup, barbecued beef, kimchi, and pepper sauce.
Legal Timeline and Challenges
Authorities have a 20-day window to indict Yoon. The court will assess the risk of evidence or witness tampering before issuing any formal detention warrant. The CIO, led by Oh Dong-woon, faces challenges due to limited staffing, with only nine prosecutors handling Yoon’s case.
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