Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s detained president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early Sunday morning following the extension of his custody, causing extensive damage in a chaotic scene condemned by the acting president as “unimaginable.”
Yoon, who became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested last Wednesday, is under investigation for alleged insurrection tied to his dramatic and short-lived martial law declaration on December 3.
The announcement has plunged the nation into a deep political crisis.
After the court announced its decision around 3 a.m. local time, Yoon’s supporters overwhelmed riot police guarding the Seoul Western District Court.
Video footage showed protesters blasting fire extinguishers at police lines, storming the building, and vandalizing office furniture and equipment.
Authorities restored order within hours, arresting 46 protesters and pledging to identify others involved.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok criticized the violence, saying, “The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence… which is unimaginable in a democratic society.” He also vowed to enhance security at public gatherings.
Nine police officers and about 40 individuals sustained minor injuries, according to emergency responders.
Police confirmed that several protesters live-streamed the chaotic intrusion on YouTube, some of whom were apprehended during their broadcasts.
Yoon, who has refused to cooperate with investigators, attended a five-hour court hearing on Saturday.
A judge subsequently extended his detention for up to 20 days, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence.
Regulations require Yoon to undergo standard procedures for detained suspects, including wearing a prison uniform and undergoing a physical examination. He is currently held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre.
The corruption investigation office has summoned Yoon for further questioning, but he continues to resist interrogation. His legal team argues that the arrest is unlawful due to jurisdictional errors and a lack of investigative mandate.
Insurrection, the crime Yoon is being investigated for, carries the death penalty in South Korea, although no executions have occurred in nearly three decades.
His lawyers maintain their determination to fight the charges, stating, “President Yoon Suk Yeol and our legal team will never give up… We will do our best in all future judicial procedures to correct the wrong.” They described the violence at the court as “unfortunate.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment by parliament on December 14, which would permanently remove him from office, or to restore his presidential powers.
Yoon’s conservative People Power Party expressed regret over the court’s decision to extend his detention, calling it a “great pity” and questioning whether the implications of detaining a sitting president were fully considered.
Conversely, the opposition Democratic Party described the ruling as a crucial step toward restoring order, condemning the actions of “far-right” groups as detrimental to the country’s stability.
Public opinion remains divided. While Yoon’s declaration of martial law initially devastated the PPP’s support, the party’s popularity has rebounded amid the political turmoil, with a recent Gallup Korea poll showing it edging ahead of the opposition at 39% to 36%.
Sunday also saw thousands of Yoon’s supporters rally peacefully in downtown Seoul, while anti-Yoon protests continued across the city.
