South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the Presidential Office in Seoul on November 7. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters/File)Seoul, South Korea (Reuters) —
Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s detained president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early Sunday after his detention was extended, shattering windows and forcing their way inside in an incident the acting leader described as “unimaginable.”
Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested last Wednesday amid allegations of insurrection linked to his brief but controversial December 3 declaration of martial law, which has thrown the nation into political chaos.
Shortly after the court announced its decision around 3 a.m. local time Sunday, Yoon’s supporters overwhelmed riot police outside the Seoul Western District Court. Protesters used fire extinguishers against the police and forced their way inside, vandalizing office equipment, furniture, and fittings, as seen in video footage.
Authorities regained control a few hours later, arresting 46 protesters and pledging to identify others involved. “The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence… which is unimaginable in a democratic society,” acting President Choi Sang-mok said in a statement, adding that security around public gatherings would be reinforced.
Nine police officers were injured in the unrest, according to Yonhap news agency, while about 40 others sustained minor injuries, emergency responders said. Some protesters live-streamed the intrusion on YouTube, showing themselves ransacking the court and chanting Yoon’s name before being apprehended mid-broadcast.
Court Ruling Extends Detention
On Friday, prosecutors requested an extension of Yoon’s detention, citing concerns about evidence tampering. Following a five-hour court hearing on Saturday, a judge issued a new warrant extending Yoon’s detention by up to 20 days.
South Korean law mandates that detained suspects undergo a physical examination, have their mugshot taken, and wear a prison uniform. Yoon is reportedly being held in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Centre.
Despite being summoned for further questioning on Sunday afternoon, Yoon has refused to cooperate. His lawyers argue that his arrest is illegal, claiming the warrant was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and the investigative team lacked proper authority.
Possible Charges and Legal Proceedings
Yoon faces potential charges of insurrection, a rare crime in South Korea that is not covered by presidential immunity and is technically punishable by death. However, South Korea has not carried out an execution in nearly three decades.
The Constitutional Court is also deliberating on whether to permanently remove Yoon from office following his impeachment by parliament on December 14 or to restore his presidential powers.
Political Reactions
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) criticized the court’s decision to extend his detention, calling it a “great pity” and questioning whether the impact of detaining a sitting president was adequately considered.
In contrast, the opposition Democratic Party welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a “cornerstone” for restoring order and condemning the violence by “far-right” groups as deepening the national crisis.
Yoon’s brief martial law declaration, which he quickly rescinded following a unanimous parliamentary rejection, caused widespread political turmoil. While the PPP initially saw its support collapse, it has rebounded in recent weeks, edging ahead of the Democratic Party for the first time since August, according to a Gallup Korea poll released Friday.
Divided Public Opinion
Thousands of Yoon’s supporters rallied peacefully in downtown Seoul on Sunday morning, while anti-Yoon protests have continued across the city. The nation remains deeply polarized as it watches the unfolding political drama.
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