Residence besieged, 3,000 policemen on their feet: The first footage of the arrest of South Korean president

Vehicles from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is working with the police and the defense ministry to investigate Yun, were seen arriving at the property, according to Yonhap.

The policemen appear to have been part of the arrest team. According to the media, there are around 3,000 policemen and 160 police buses in front of Yeol's residence. A white van marked "POLICE" with flashing blue lights was also seen approaching the entrance accompanied by uniformed officers.

Despite sub-zero conditions, protesters could be heard shouting "resign", "your time is up" and "take responsibility". The crowd was followed by columns of uniformed police, and a combination of police and protest buses remained outside the residence, blocking the street.

For weeks, the president has holed up in his fortified residence, surrounded by a team of presidential security services, avoiding arrest as he faces several investigations and an impeachment trial following his short-lived decree.

Yun is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations, including allegations of leading a rebellion - a crime punishable by life or even death.

Efforts to detain him earlier this month were thwarted after an hours-long standoff in which soldiers and members of the presidential security guard prevented about 80 police officers and investigators from approaching the presidential compound.