Yoon, of the People Power Party, is the first South Korean president in office to be arrested, and his martial law declaration reportedly plunged the US-allied nation into political chaos, NBC News reported.
"Unlike the first [arrest warrant] execution attempt, this time there were no individuals or security staff actively obstructing the execution, and there were no significant physical clashes," the CIO said in a press briefing.
On January 3, investigators who arrived at Yoon's presidential residence before dawn were confronted by his security force, who prevented them from detaining Yoon during their first attempt. Lawyers for Yoon and People Power Party lawmakers were also present on the access road leading to the residence and claimed that the warrant was unlawful, per the network.
Yoon addressed the nation following his arrest, and said that he decided to comply with the "illegal warrant" in order "to prevent an unfortunate and bloody confrontation."
"Unfortunately, the rule of law in this country has completely collapsed," said Yoon, according to his office.
On Wednesday, Yoon's legal team stated that he would be willing to submit to voluntary questioning rather than being arrested. That proposal was declined and a convoy of black SUVs arrived at the presidential compound to take Yoon into custody.
Over the past few weeks, there have been ongoing demonstrations that have escalated near the presidential residence. A significant number of Yoon's supporters were observed carrying American flags and signs that were inspired by President-elect Donald Trump. These signs read, "Stop the Steal," which was a reference to Yoon's allegations of election fraud, which was the reason he declared martial law.
"The president remained very composed as he was being arrested," said PPP lawmaker Yoon Sang Hyun, who was with the president at his residence when he was taken into custody. "He even comforted me, instead."
