South Korean investigators used ladders early on Wednesday, January 15 to enter the presidential residence compound in their second attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.

As of 7:30 a.m. local time dozens of police officials had entered the compound in central Seoul in an operation made up of around 3000 police officers and other officials according to some sources. They then passed through an outer barricade to carry out warrants to detain Yoon and search his residence.

Around 6,500 supporters of the president were also in the area at the time according to local authorities.

Investigators were then initially blocked by the Presidential Security Service, which set up a barricade using vehicles and a human shield near the entrance. They were also blocked by a group of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party and Yoon's lawyers near the entrance.

Large numbers of Yoon’s opponents present were seen shouting for the president to be arrested. It was this group that appeared happier as it was later announced police had breached the blockade and made it into the compound.

Confusion followed as claims that presidential security detail arrests had been made, only to be later denied. Then, just after 10:00 a.m. local time it was revealed by the local Yonhap News Agency that the president would be making his way to the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO). Whether or not this was a move made of his own free will was not initially known although Yonhap said at the time “The anti-corruption agency investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case said Wednesday it is discussing with Yoon's side on the execution of a warrant to detain the impeached president.”

As a result, investigators at the site later detained the impeached president at 10.33 a.m. according to Yonhap. In doing so it was the first time a president of the Republic of Korea has actually been arrested; a post that has in the past seen holders overthrown, assassinated or jailed after leaving office.

President Yoon Suk Yeol soon after departed the presidential facility on his way to the CIO offices south of the city. It is believed he will now be questioned for at least 48 hours while being held at the Seoul Detention Centre.