SEOUL — Shielded by barbed wire and a substantial security presence, South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol remained secluded in his expansive hillside villa on Tuesday (Jan 7) alongside his wife, six dogs, and five cats, as investigators prepared for his arrest.

Following his impeachment by parliament last month over a brief martial law decree issued on Dec 3, Yoon has largely stayed out of the public eye at his official residence in Hannam-dong, a prestigious district often referred to as Korea's Beverly Hills due to its affluent residents and upscale properties.

Investigators aiming to question Yoon about allegations of insurrection have faced significant hurdles in serving the arrest warrant. Last week, a human barrier of presidential security personnel and military guards prevented them from accessing his residence. The head of the investigation team reaffirmed on Tuesday their commitment to detain him.

Since his impeachment, Yoon has maintained a low profile within the residence, which he shares with First Lady Kim Keon-hee and their pets. Efforts to preserve his privacy have included filing legal complaints against media outlets and a YouTuber who allegedly filmed the area, a designated sensitive military zone. Security measures have been heightened, with streets leading to the villa blocked by buses and barbed wire barricades.

Yoon's confinement to the residence was confirmed by his lawyer and close friend, Seok Dong-hyeon, who stated that the president has had minimal visitors besides his legal team. Despite the isolation, Yoon is said to be coping well. He quietly marked his 64th birthday shortly after the impeachment, receiving flowers and over 2,000 letters from supporters, according to Yonhap News Agency, though his office did not confirm the report.

Once a hub of activity, the residence, originally the foreign minister's home before Yoon relocated there in 2022, has hosted notable events. Yoon entertained foreign dignitaries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in its formal dining areas. In October, he reportedly prepared a meal for his defence minister and army commanders while discussing presidential emergency powers, as noted in an indictment against the minister.

Yoon's decision to move his official residence from the traditional Blue House sparked controversy over renovation expenses and speculation that the move was influenced by feng shui or a shaman. The 14,710-square-metre property — roughly the size of two football fields — features multiple banquet halls, meeting rooms, reception areas, and a landscaped garden. Allegations of luxurious additions, including a golf simulator, were denied by Yoon's office, with his chief of staff describing the property as "modest."

Situated in a high-profile area overlooking the Han River, the residence is neighbored by elite families such as those of Samsung and Hyundai, K-pop stars including BTS members, and various ministerial and ambassadorial residences.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Airbus via Reuters file