South Korean Court extends detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, protesters storm and damage court building

19th January 2025 – (Seoul) A South Korean court has extended the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for up to 20 days, amid concerns that he might destroy evidence related to his controversial declaration of martial law in early December. This decision has sparked outrage among Yoon’s supporters, who violently clashed with police outside the court building following the announcement.

Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, was detained on Wednesday on charges of insurrection after he refused to comply with investigators. His martial law declaration, which lasted just six hours, was swiftly voted down by lawmakers, leading to his impeachment shortly thereafter.

The Seoul Western District Court justified its decision to prolong Yoon’s detention by citing the risk of evidence tampering. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) had requested the extension after Yoon evaded initial questioning.

Following the court’s ruling, hundreds of pro-Yoon protesters stormed the building at 3am., causing extensive damage. They broke windows, damaged property, and clashed with police, resulting in the detention of around 40 individuals. Protesters chanted Yoon’s name, expressing their fervent support for the disgraced leader.

Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, condemned the court’s decision but cautioned supporters against escalating violence, warning that such actions could impede Yoon’s future legal proceedings. “This is likely not what President Yoon desires,” he stated.

The political landscape in South Korea remains deeply fractured as Yoon faces a possible life sentence or execution if convicted of insurrection, a charge from which he does not have immunity. His supporters, including evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, have rallied around him, claiming their protests are acts of “passionate patriotism.”

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